Transport Minister flags off luxury bus fleet

GUWAHATI, Jan 24: State Transport Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary flagged off the Volvo Luxury Segment buses at ASTC, Paltan Bazar, Guwahati on Wednesday. The introduction of the luxury buses has been implemented in PPP mode.

These buses will cover to and fro routes which would include Guwahati (ISBT)-Sadiya, North Lakhimpur-Guwahati, Guwahati-Siliguri and Guwahati-Sivasagar in the first phase.

Addressing the gathering during the iugural ceremony, Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said, “ASTC is a public service institution and I hope that the luxury buses will be able to provide convenient and comfortable luxury services to the commuters at a competitive fare, which would be lower than the AC Chair train fare in Assam. The buses, which have been introduced in PPP mode, will also contribute to the revenue of the State Bus Corporation.”

The Minister further stated, “The luxury buses are equipped with AC, TV, wi-fi and mobile charging points. Besides, talks are also on Ola to provide pick and drop facility to the passengers for providing point to point connectivity.”

“A total, 34 Volvo Buses will be introduced by the ASTC. Another set of 175 Mercedes Buses will also be introduced, next phase, next month,” the Minister announced.  The Minister expressed happiness at the fact that ASTC’s revenue increased by 34 per cent and expenditure has decreased by 20 per cent approximately.  He said, “The operatiol efficiency ensured through a slew of measures and dedicated service of ASTC staff will augur well for the future of ASTC.” ASTC chairman Ashutosh Agnihotri and MD AP Tiwari were present at the meeting.