GUWAHATI:
The Assam government is reviewing the overall functioning of Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC), with the state transport minister on July 19 directing transport authorities to chalk out a plan to rejuvenate it.
Assam transport minister Parimal Suklabaidya asked for a roadmap of the routes where ASTC buses are plying, routes where there is a lack of ASTC buses, and to explore new economically viable routes to mobilise revenue.
During a meeting attended by transport secretary Adil Khan, ASTC vice chairman Pranabjyoti Lahakar, managing director Rahul Das and other officials, Suklabaidya pitched for an even deployment of the workforce following a detailed discussion on the functioning structure.
Rejuvenation of the corporation figured prominently in the meeting and it was decided to repair some buses instead of going for new purchases, as maintenance will entail lesser money. Emphasis was also laid on creating self-employment opportunities by leasing out old vehicles through spot auctions.
It was decided that full-fledged e-ticketing software services will be launched in Kamrup (Metro) and Sonitpur by Assam Electronics Development Corporation Ltd., also known as AMTRON, as a pilot project on a revenue-sharing basis on July 21.
The minister directed ASTC to hold a meeting with Guwahati Traffic Police to resolve issues related to bus stoppage, parking, etc., in Guwahati and find quick ways and means as to how ASTC buses can carry passengers to the maximum capacity to generate more revenue.
The meeting decided that ASTC buses would be inspected regularly by nodal officers in the rank of assistant engineers who will be accountable for proper route maintenance, vigilance, tickets, etc.
Timings of buses across the state will also be monitored and such timings will be shared with the public for their convenience.
It was also decided that Jan buses, which became non-functional following orders from Gauhati High Court that they will not run in Guwahati, will now be operated on the outskirts of the capital city by ASTC in public-private partnership (PPP) mode.
The meeting further decided that the lacunae detected by the transport minister during his surprise visit to Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) would be resolved at the earliest and necessary action would be initiated immediately against the officers and staff accountable for all this.
A report encompassing all the matters discussed in the meeting will be submitted to the transport minister within seven days.