In a major blessing to the floating population of passengers, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has decided to allow banks to establish their ATM’s at all bus stands across the state.
This first of its kind initiative by the Transport Corporation will be a major boost for the commuters who are forced to depend on the ATM counters which are mostly located quite far from bus stations.
The KSRTC management has forwarded circulars to all depot authorities last week asking them to identify suitable locations in their concerned depots where the ATM’s can be established. If there is enough space KSRTC can consider allowing space for more than one ATM counter, the officials said.
Speaking on this, Sharaf Mohammed, special officer and Chief Traffic Officer with the KSRTC said that they are expecting to receive the reviews from the concerned depots within few days. “Once we receive the details on availability of space and exact location for installation of the ATM counters, we will float the tenders. Those banks expressing interest in the project will be considered,” Sharaf said.
The KSRTC currently has 18 depots and 45 sub depots in the state along with 18 operating centres.
The ATM counters are expected to come up in all these centres, if it meets the requirements set by the management.
Even though the KSRTC had mooted the project in 2011 for 60 stations, it was not executed owing to several technical issues. “We decided to go ahead with the project this year since the salaries of KSRTC employees have been made through banks starting last June. All transactions for the staff as well as the retired employees and pensioners are available through banks to facilitate e-governance in the sector. So, once we introduce the ATM counters it will also benefit the employees,” the official said.
Meanwhile, the KSRTC also hopes to cash in on this extra source of income by renting out the space for the ATM counters. “The rent for the space will be on a monthly basis. To set up the counter at least a minimum space of 80 to 100 sq ft is required. The minimum rate per sq ft is expected to be not less than `50,” the officials said.
Currently, if a passenger gets down at a stand, for example at Ernakulam south, he is forced to walk at least a kilometre from the stand to avail of an ATM service.
Source: New Indian Express
