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In top gear
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With the Minister, K. B. Ganesh Kumar, at the helm, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), has been trying for an image makeover.
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It may be a little early to look down the road, but the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), with the Transport Minister, K. B. Ganesh Kumar, at the helm, is apparently undergoing an image makeover.
The KSRTC conjures up images of buses filled beyond capacity and running behind schedule. But it's time for change, says the Minister.
People started taking note of changes only when Volvo buses were introduced on the Thiruvananthapuram-Palakkad-Thiruvananthapuram and Thiruvananthapuram-Kozhikode-Thiruvananthapuram routes.
Says the Minister, "The idea of introducing Volvo buses came to me when I saw similar buses being run by private operators -- that too, at a profit. I got to know that these buses were very comfortable and invariably occupied to the full. So, I decided to run a bus on a trial basis. After a run of 20 days, it was found to be a success and the `Garuda' service was born."
This service has gained acceptance and the number of passengers has shown only an upward climb. But there are two sides to a coin. These measures haven't gone down too well with a section of KSRTC employees.
"We accept that change is inevitable and the introduction of Volvo buses deserves praise. But the timing was wrong. Sidelining the existing buses and giving more importance to the `Garuda' service -- thereby harming job opportunities -- was hardly the right thing to do. The Minister should have waited for some more time," says a rebel union worker.
"The financially weaker sections constitute the majority of passengers of KSRTC, and they can never dream of travelling in a `Garuda'. Spending exorbitant amounts on buses that will benefit only a minority, is ridiculous," says another worker.
But KSRTC is taking the `Garuda' service quite seriously. Drivers were given special training in Bangalore and the conductors were trained locally. "We have a very good workforce, which, until now, lacked motivation. We now give them training from time to time, especially in conducting themselves," the Minister adds. Even doctors, psychiatrists and psychologists are invited to impart training to the workers. A camp, to be conducted in association with Lakeshore Hospital on March 15, is expected to bring in further results.
The minibus service of KSRTC, in operation since the past three months, is the first of its kind to be adopted by any transport corporation in the country. This has been introduced to deliver a blow to parallel private service. Though they have a capacity of only 25 to 30 seats, these buses are ideal for certain routes and would stop at places desired by the passengers. But this move too has drawn flak. "Why spend on small buses when the big ones, with a greater life span, can accommodate more people?" the detractors ask.
The KSRTC will soon introduce `low-board' buses. Their low footboards will help passengers climb in and out easily. Says Kartyayani, a 58-year-old commuter, "I live at Ambalamukku and work as a maid in Vellayambalam. Climbing into buses is an ordeal as I have body ache. The proposed buses will be a boon to people like me."
With two doors and a long body, these buses can carry almost twice the number of passengers other buses carry. "These will help in decreasing the number of vehicles on the road," says Ganesh Kumar.
Other developments include a computer mobile unit, modified from an old bus. The first of its kind in Kerala, it has now been rented out to IT-Mission, which is now using it to educate villagers.
How long can the new buses survive without falling prey to the wrath of strikers or anti-social elements? "I have requested the political parties to stay away from the buses and they have given their word. But rebels such as the `Ayyankali pada' can target these buses. That's what they did the other day in Alappuzha. We are chalking out plans to control them," the Minister says.
He claims he enjoys the support of all the KSRTC workers. "I've done a lot for them. We have built a number of beds for them, waiting sheds for women, and toilets in the depots. They don't have any reason to complain. And I hope they will always remain by my side."
Ganesh Kumar has finalised an action plan. The first is the air-conditioning of the mini buses, with little hike in the fares.
He also plans to set up a passenger welfare fund to provide financial help to those who meet with accidents involving KSRTC buses.
"This programme will definitely bring the people over to my side. They would travel in KSRTC buses than in any other, knowing fully well that even if something untoward happened, the family would be adequately compensated," he says.
Another project is the supply of packaged drinking water in long-distance buses.
Computerisation of the purchases of KSRTC is under way. Once completed, the transport corporation's major purchases, including that of spare parts, will be done through computers.
"No tampering will be possible then. I plan to streamline the whole process," the Minister says. "The KSRTC is the only public enterprise in the country that has been completely computerised," he claims.
The project to link the Thiruvananthapuram railway station with the bus station is on.
The KSRTC's graph has shown a steady growth. The profit a couple of years ago was Rs. 1.48 lakhs. It has now risen to Rs. 1.82 lakhs. When the present Government took over, the losses borne by KSRTC amounted to Rs. 16 crores. But the deficit has now come down to Rs. 6 crores.
But not everyone is happy. Some of the staff complain they have not promoted and that they do not get any financial benefit from the Government. They are dissatisfied even with their duty shifts.
"I have been working here for the past 28 years. When I report to work on some days, I find my name not being listed in the duty roster. So I go back home and don't get any money that day," says Padmanabhan.
And yet there are others who are positive about the changes and have welcomed them wholeheartedly. A passenger commented: "People used to run for the buses, but I guess now the buses run for the people... "
AMBIKA VARMA
Photos: S. Mahinsha; KSRTC
Graphics: C. R. Sasikumar
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