Revanth Asks RTC to Buy More Buses
Women saved Rs 2,840 cr in travel, says Ponnam
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has directed the Telangana Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) to initiate plans to purchase new buses to meet the increasing demand of commuters. During a review meeting held at the Secretariat on Tuesday, the Chief Minister highlighted the need to assess the public's evolving needs and explore innovative ways to enhance transportation services.
Revanth Reddy also expressed concern about the corporation's financial burden, urging officials to explore strategies for reducing it. A study should be conducted to lower the high-interest rates being paid on loans and to explore debt restructuring.
The review included a discussion on the successful implementation of the Mahalakshmi scheme, which provides free travel for women in RTC buses across the state.
Transport minister Ponnam Prabhakar informed the Chief Minister that so far, women had availed 83.42 crore free trips since the scheme was launched in December 2023, saving a total of Rs 2,840.71 crore. The scheme is operational in 7,292 buses of RTC, he added.
Officials presented data showing that, since the launch of the Mahalakshmi scheme, there has been a significant increase in the number of women travelling to Hyderabad from various districts, particularly for hospital visits.
Officials said that the RTC is grappling with a debt of Rs 6,322 crore. This includes loans from banks, unpaid Provident Fund contributions for employees, and pending payments to retired staff. The high-interest rates on bank loans were identified as a major issue.
The officials reported that the corporation was seeing profits due to the increase in occupancy rates and government reimbursement tied to the Mahalakshmi scheme. This improved financial performance is a positive sign for the future of the organisation, they said.
Key officials present during the review included Chief Secretary A. Santhi Kumari, Chief Minister's Secretaries G.Chandrasekhar Reddy and Shahnawaz Qasim, Special Principal Secretary of the Transport Department Vikas Raj, and RTC managing director VC Sajjanar.