'KSRTC to buy 10 high capacity Volvo buses'

These buses with 6X2 configuration can accommodate 53 seats, which is eight seats more than in Volvo buses, that are already in service. Transport Minister R Ashok on Monday told reporters that the new buses with 10 wheels will be able to provide more comfort for passengers. This in turn would be profitable for the Corporation.

The board of the Corporation approved the purchase of ten buses in the first phase. Each bus will cost Rs 85 lakh. The Corporation will decide on buying more buses based on their performance.

Profit

The Corporation has recorded a profit of Rs 49 crore in 2009-10, which was Rs three crore short compared to the profit made in the previous year. The minister attributed the dip in profit to protests in Telangana region in Andhra Pradesh, due to which the Corporation could not run its services in the region for three months.

Despite economic recession and three-month long protest in Telangana region the Corporation has made profits by a considerable margin.  The Corporation will continue to extend quality service to its passengers. The 11 Volvo buses introduced in Mangalore depot limits have been making a record business of Rs 5 lakh a month.  The KSRTC will increase the Volvo services in the depot limits owing to public response to the facility, the minister added.

Expert panel

The board meeting resolved to constitute an expert committee to make recommendations on reducing the rate of accidents. The Corporation has maintained the number one position in ensuring road safety in the country and will make efforts to retain the position by improving the road safety measures.

7.5 acres to Metro rail

The KSRTC has decided to handover 7.5 acres of land to Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) for metro works. The BMRCL has to purchase the land at the cost of Rs 161.54 crore, as per market rate.

Minister for Transport R Ashok said the KSRTC would hand over the land only after receiving the payment. KSRTC will divert bus services to other bus stands in the City. The date of hand over of the land is not yet decided.