Assam State Transport Corporation Rejuvenation Roadmap

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Transport Minister Parimal Suklabaidya chalked out a roadmap to rejuvenate the haphazard ASTC (Assam State Transport Corporation) to make it a contender to reckon with in the transportation sector in the state.

The minister said, "Be it the timing of ASTC buses, repair of damaged buses, monitoring of running of buses or chalking out routes, we need to work with focused attention. Commuters are not sure about the timetable of ASTC buses. If we follow a strict timetable, we can regain the lost faith. ASTC buses run on different routes without adhering to any specific time schedule. Now we emphasize repairing old buses, instead of buying new ones as maintenance entails less money."

At a high-level meeting with the Secretary, Transport department, Adil Khan and other officials, Suklabaidya pitched for a judicious deployment of the workforce.

The meeting laid emphasis on creating self-employment opportunities by leasing out old vehicles through spot auctions. Suklabaidya directed the transport authorities to chalk out a roadmap of the routes where ASTC buses are running and to explore new economically-viable routes.

The meeting decided to launch a full-fledged e-ticketing software service in Kamrup (Metro) and Sonitpur districts by AMTRON as a pilot project on a revenue-sharing basis on July 21.

The Transport Minister directed ASTC to hold a meeting with Guwahati Traffic Police to resolve issues related to bus stops, parking lots, etc., in Guwahati, and to find quick ways and means so that ASTC buses can carry passengers to the maximum capacity to generate more revenue.

The meeting decided that nodal officers in the rank of assistance engineers would inspect ASTC buses regularly. They will be accountable for proper route maintenance, vigilance, tickets, etc.

The meeting decided that long JNNURM buses that were non-functional following orders from the Gauhati High Court would now operate on the outskirts of the capital city by ASTC in PPP mode.

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