The state transport body has decided to generate revenue by displaying audio-visual ads at various bus stands across the state; plans to develop shopping malls on its land
In a bid to cover the Rs 1,000 crore loss, which the Maharashtra State Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is expected to incur by the end of this year due to monthly hike in diesel prices, the transport body has decided to generate revenue by displaying audio-visual advertisements at various bus stands across the state.
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Jeevanrao Gore, chairman of MSRTC visited Swargate depot yesterday to review its condition. While interacting with media persons, Gore said that MSRTC is currently facing a financial crisis. “Diesel prices increase every month by 45 paise per liter, which in turn add to our expenditure by Rs 20 crore a month. We don’t want to put burden on commuters by hiking ticket fare, as we had recently increased the fare by 12 per cent. Hence, are looking at other ways to generate revenue.
” Currently, the transport body earns Rs 12 crore per annum from print advertisement in form of posters and hoarding at various bus stands. But now, it’s also planning to generate revenue thought audio-visual advertisements. “Even the Railways have adopted the same strategy. We have called for tenders. There are more than 350 bus stands in the state. We expecting good business from cities like Pune, Mumbai, Nashik and Aurangabad,” he said.
Gore added the MSRTC has also implemented incentive system for drivers and conductors. “Like the way private buses function, drivers and conductors of MSRTC buses too are expected to take efforts to increase sale of the tickets. They will not even stop on the request.”
MSRTC also plans to develop shopping complexes and malls on its land. “Our officials are conducting survey for the same,” said Gore. Six bus stands – Panvel, Ratnagiri, Akola, Aurangabad, Nashik and Mhaswad - will soon accommodate shopping mall, and the constructed will be carried out on build-operate-transfer (BOT) basis.u00a0