Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Tuesday said that the State road transport corporations have tied up with Energy Conservation Centre of Japan and Petroleum Conservation Research Association to impart better driving skills to drivers to help minimise diesel consumption. Mr. Reddy, who is the Chairman of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), was speaking after inaugurating a mega campaign for fuel conservation and a workshop on eco-friendly driving jointly organised by KSRTC, BMTC, Energy Conservation Centre, PCRA and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation here.
He said that the sole focus of the transport corporations is now on conserving fuel. Depot managers and divisional controllers of the transport corporations should ensure minimum consumption of diesel or otherwise they would be held responsible for any financial loss in their jurisdiction. The role of mechanics in this is also significant, he said.
Mr. Reddy said that the four transport corporations in the State consume about 54.5 crore litres of diesel every year. While the average kilometre per litre achieved is 4.22, the transport corporations could save up to 1.26 crore litres of diesel even if each driver improves upon the mileage by 0.1 kmpl.
The Minister launched simulators that educate drivers how to enhance their driving skills to achieve better mileage. The machines were developed by Hanif, a retired driver from Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation. Mr. Reddy also launched an eco-friendly BMTC bus, a car and a van.
Later, the Minister presented the “best kmpl awards” to two drivers and one mechanic from each one of the five divisions of BMTC and two mechanics from the BMTC central workshop for their exemplary service. The workshop would continue on Wednesday too.
