ASTC Pans Out Budget Allocation For Current Financial Year

ASTC Pans Out Budget Allocation For Current Financial Year

GUWAHATI: Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) announced their plans for various projects under the year 2019. Several renovation projects along with new launches are being planned.

At a press meet on Thursday, MD AP Tiwari of Assam State Transport Corporation declared that the recently adjourned Budget Session has declared the release of funds for ASTC. Rs 3.5 crore for Tezpur ISBT, Rs 2.5 crore for Khanapara ISBT, Rs 1 crore for Jalukbari ISBT and Rs 60 lakh for Majuli Bus-stand will be allocated as per ASTC plans.

An upcoming strategy of Assam State Transport Corporation includes the release of 25 electric vehicles and a pilot project of ASTC which includes the introduction of a Transport Plaza at Dolgaon, Dibrugarh, Boko and Rangia. Meanwhile, the foundation stone for a transport plaza in Rangia will be laid on Friday by Minister Bhabesh Kalita. The transport plaza in Dibrugarh is set to be inaugurated shortly. Setting up of Jio towers have also been on the books for ASTC bus stations. Moreover, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in all ASTC stations is being discussed to be introduced. It is worth mentioning that Dibrugarh ISBT already has one CNG station.

Tiwari in the press meet sated, “At present, there are 969 running Assam State Transport Corporation buses in 125 stations. In the state, approximately 160 buses are operable.” ASTC discounts 80% for journalists, 30% for male students, 35% for female students, 50% for senior citizens and is completely free for the disabled with 2 seat reservations.

However, it has been declared that the Assam State Transport Corporation is running on losses. “The total revenue estimate of ASTC is 8.5 crore. Rs 3.5 crore gap between income and losses in 2016 have been reported. But the gap has reduced to Rs 1 crore in the current fiscal year”, commented Tiwari.

In the recent budget session, introduction of 1000 new buses have been announced while 230 buses are presently up for bidding. Tiwari announced, “For the new buses, 25% will be financed by the government and will be run under the ASTC for 5 years. After that, the buyers can recall their vehicles from Assam State Transport Corporation with 15% to be returned to the government as subsidy.”

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