The loss on account of concessions would come to `218 crore. Another `205 crore is lost in various taxes, taking the cumulative loss to 805 crore, the minister said.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Loss-making public sector unit KSRTC is planning a slew of measures to find a way out of the rut. Insurance cover for bus passengers through a cess on ticket, limiting the number of trips in unviable routes and introduction of 400 town-to-town bus services are some of the proposals on cards, Transport Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan informed the Assembly on Tuesday.
Once the insurance scheme is introduced, passengers will receive up to `3000 for minor injuries. The town-to-town bus services would be started once the 400 buses to be provided under JNNURM arrive. “In some routes there are loss-making services which operate 7-8 trips per day. The number of trips would be restricted. In many bus stations there are no basic facilities and hygiene. Setting up of proper waiting rooms, toilets, cloak rooms and coffee shops, digital advertisement screens, CCTV and FM Radio inside buses are some of the proposals before the government to tap non-operative revenue,” he said.
Thiruvanchoor said KSRTC operates as many as 2000 services suffering monetary loss to the tune of `427 crore, because of its social commitment.
The loss on account of concessions would come to `218 crore. Another `205 crore is lost in various taxes, taking the cumulative loss to 805 crore, the minister said.
The attempt is to make KSRTC a professionally-run body by reducing loss while maintaining its social commitment, he said. Replying to questions in the House, the Minister said the proposal for a `480 crore revival scheme to overcome pension liability and loan burden, to be borne equally by the state government and the KSRTC, is currently under the government’s consideration.
The Corporation would ensure that there are no arrears pending for those who receive pension of up to `8500, the minister said.
Sourc: New Indian Express
