Daijiworld Media Network- Bengaluru (SP)
Bengaluru, Aug 11: The state road transport corporations have been gripped by dearth of revenue caused by the advent of coronavirus infection. In order to wriggle out of the current situation, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has planned to launch its own courier service. It plans to collect revenue of Rs 100 crore annually through this scheme.
The transport corporations are facing a loss of about Rs 3,000 crore, thanks to COVID-19. They are looking for ways and means to come out of this tight situation. KSRTC along with Northwest KRTC, BMTC and Northeast KRTC, which have the capacity to penetrate even the most remote corners of the state, now plan to exploit this potential to turn into a well-paying business proposition. Tender process has been completed and courier service will begin shortly.
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A team of officials has already studied about courier services run by transport corporations in other states, and filed a report. After studying the report, it has been decided to adopt the Telangana model.
Outsourcing
The vehicles and infrastructure of the four transport corporations would be used for this service. But the task of staff and maintenance has been outsourced to Champion Group. This firm will get 17.5 percent commission. The company also has the responsibility of building its warehouses and paying rent for the land used by it. An official explained that KSRTC will have total control over the financial aspects of courier service and a software for the same is ready. Out of the amount that comes into the account of the corporation, commission at the agreed rate would be paid to the company which manages the service. Therefore, there is no chance of any irregularity, he reasoned.
"This service was envisaged with the support of minister Laxman Savadi and chief minister B S Yediyurappa will inaugurate it. In the first phase, annual income of Rs 100 crore is expected but in later years the revenue may run into thousands of crores. By working with the postal department, the business can expand well," he explained.