VASCO: In a bid to make more money, the Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) has chalked out several plans to boost its fortunes. In this regard, it has decided to set up a petrol pump in Margao with the help of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), also the final decision for the long pending construction of a bus terminus in Margao would be taken before the code of conduct, said KTC Chairman Carlos Almeida.
He was speaking to reporters after signing a Long Term Agreement (30 years) between KTC and IOCL under which IOCL would be introducing automation in the KTCL depots/buses.
“We have been intending to function like a private company to make more profit. As a result, we have been targeting the frontage of our property that can be developed for commercial use. Similarly, we have also identified land for setting up a petrol pump at Margao bus-stand and all such usage of property would help KTC to make more profit,” he said. He said that, “Also with regards to the long demand for the bus terminal at Margao, the same could not be taken up because of financial complications. Now, before code of conduct we would take final decision as to whether we should go for PPP or use government funds for the bus terminus project.”
Speaking on the agreement signed between KTC and IOCL, Almeida said, “It is indeed a proud moment for KTC and for Goa state. This is for the first time in the history of Indian state transport, that an agreement between the state- run Transport Corporation and IOCL has been signed and by using automation technology provided by IOCL, we would be keeping a track on consumption of fuel by buses in different routes. This would also help us to curb the pilferage of oil and there would not be any misuse and fuel loss,” Almeida said.
IOCL officer Zubeen Garg said, “As per the agreement, IOCL will be providing RFID (radio frequency identification tags and readers) that would be tied to the inlet of fuel tank on all KTC buses and dispensing units at petrol pumps which would ensure fuelling of authorised KTC buses only. Also, the automation would help in vehicle identification as well as monitoring various reports online like average kilometre per liter, stock, diesel consumption patterns by buses in various routes. This system would help the KTC to keep a track on comprehensive depot fuel management-inventories, tank levels, deliveries, controlled fuelling with limits and restrictions; volume, location, number of trips and all these information would be seen on real time basis. Moreover automation would curtail misuse of diesel due to pilferage and will help the KTC to improve its efficiency and to keep a track on its buses on various routes.”
