Syed Nizamuddin re-elected as TSCBOA president, hailed for resolving transport issues

Hyderabad: Syed Nizamuddin was unanimously re-elected as president of the Telangana State Cabs & Bus Operators Association (TSCBOA) on Saturday, marking a key moment in the TSCBOA president re-election process, with members crediting him for resolving long-pending issues.

Following his re-election, association members and transport operators from across the state felicitated Nizamuddin. They said his sustained engagement with the government reduced regulatory pressure on cab, bus, and travel operators.

In his address, Nizamuddin said TSCBOA, along with the Telangana Tours & Travels Bus Owners Association led by K. Gopal Reddy, jointly raised critical demands. He said both associations worked together to push for tax rationalisation and policy clarity.

He highlighted the rationalisation of District Tax as a major outcome. After Telangana’s formation in 2014, districts increased from 10 to 33. Consequently, transport operators faced penalties even while operating within the same area. In several cases, short trips attracted multiple taxes due to overlapping district boundaries.

TSCBOA president re-election brings relief on tax and interstate transport issues

Nizamuddin said the issue severely affected operators in Hyderabad and nearby areas. Therefore, after the Congress-led government took office in December 2023, both associations raised the matter in detail. Subsequently, the government formed a committee. They proposed treating the entire Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority area as a single zone.

In addition, Nizamuddin addressed interstate transport concerns. He said Telangana’s exclusion from the Reciprocal Transport Agreement forced operators to pay border taxes. As a result, costs increased and tourism suffered.

After repeated representations, the Telangana Government reviewed the issue. Karnataka has now agreed to join a new Reciprocal Transport Agreement with Telangana. Nizamuddin said this outcome strengthened the significance of the TSCBOA president re-election and would ease cross-border travel.

Addressing members and the media, Nizamuddin said unity among operators and continuous dialogue with the government remained essential. He reaffirmed his commitment to pursue fair transport policies.

Association members expressed confidence in his leadership. They said he brought different transport bodies together and expressed hope for further reforms.