TSRTC to acquire 500 new buses

Hyderabad: The Telangana State government on Wednesday accorded administrative sanction of Rs 150 crore for the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) to purchase 500 new buses.

The TSRTC, which has a fleet of 10,744 buses, covers 35 lakh kilometres, transporting 90 lakh passengers every day. Different types of buses, ranging from Palle Velugu to Vennela Air-Conditioned (A/C) sleeper, are operated to meet the varying journey requirements of passengers. As per the norms, the RTC was due to replace 1,613 buses in the year 2014-15. They included 621 Palle Velugu buses.

The subject was discussed during a review meeting held by Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao with Transport and RTC officials on October 16 last year. The officials had stated that the RTC with a debt burden of Rs 2,912 crore and accumulated losses amounting to Rs 989 crore was not in a position to allocate required finances for purchase of new buses.

The Chief Minister agreed in principle during the review meeting to provide financial assistance of Rs 150 crore for purchase of 500 new buses. Subsequently, orders have been issued on Wednesday giving administrative sanction for the purchase of buses.

While 400 Palle Velugu buses will be purchased at a cost of Rs 80 crore, the RTC will buy 100 air-conditioned and other special buses at a cost of Rs 70 crore.