APSRTC fails to increase services to new capital

Vijayawada: Bus connectivity to the Rayalaseema and Visakha regions from state capital Amaravati has not been increased by the APSRTC even after there’s increa-sed people flow to these regions and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu along with some of his Cabinet colleagues has begun functioning from here for the last six months.

People from various districts in both the regions are experiencing inconvenience while visiting the Vijayawada and Guntur cities for works directly or indirectly related to state administration.

The Chief Minister's residential and camp offices are located on both sides of River Krishna in and around Vijayawada city. People are making a steady stream to these places to meet the CM and ministers to present their grievances, seek aid from the CM’s Relief Fund etc.

The state government is set to construct the propo-sed temporary secretariat in the capital region. Passenger flow to Amaravati is sure to increase from all over the state as also from Hyderabad. But the APSRTC management is failing to measure up to the situation. It also, intentionally or otherwise, let go of an opportunity in exploring the increased scope for commercial earnings from this scenario. Those who visit Amaravati have been forced to depend on alternative transportation modes like Railways, private sector buses or their own vehicles, said K. Hari Prasad of Anantapur district, who is on a visit to Vijayawada.

N. Srihari, a resident of Guntur, said the common man is bearing the brunt of this neglect by APSRTC. He is not able to afford the high rates of private luxury buses that are charging heavily. He said, whatever the motive, APSRTC has let down the people. It is high time the corporation provided bus services connecting all the 29 villages in the Capital region, since the state government has begun taking a lot of decisions on a daily basis for the development of the CRDA.

The APSRTC officials said they would look into the matter and increase the services once they are convinced there is a real need.

Officials step up efforts to shift headquarters from Hyderabad

The APSRTC is making serious efforts to fully shift its headquarters from Hyderabad to the Pandit Nehru Bus Station here. This is being done in stages and the bus station is set to get a major facelift as well.

Developing the PN Bus Station as a “world-class best” bus station was a dream of former Chief Minister late N.T. Rama Rao. Though it did not materialised at that time, the

present government under his son-in-law, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, is developing it in ways as to meet the needs of future generations, and with ultra-modern facilities.

Bifurcation of undivided Andhra Pradesh state has prompted the APSRTC to shift its headquarters to Vijayawada, helping in development of the PN Bus Station. The corporation renovated the station with granite floors for the platforms, amo-ng other innovations. All servicing counters have been converted into centralised digital systems, at the PN Bus Station, stated deputy chief traffic manager A. John Sukumar.

Two mini theatres are under construction. A video wall was placed for passenger information and advertisements. All pillars are covered with ACP panels for effect and LED lights installed to save electricity. Passengers and moving area are separated with railing. The public announcement system has been digitalised.

So far, the MD and vice-chairman, EDs and HoDs have been shifted to the new APSRTC Bus House. Very soon, the rest of the officials of the corporation would be shifted from Hyderabad to here, said Mr Sukumar.