RTC lands to be allotted only through open tenders: APSRTC

Vijayawada: Amid the concerns flagged by the The AP Public Transport Department (APPTD) employees union JAC regarding the induction of the electric buses and allocation of RTC depots to private entities for the operation of the EV buses, The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) has clarified that its vacant lands are being leased to private entities only through a transparent open tender process as part of its efforts to provide better services to passengers and generate commercial revenue and strengthen the corporation’s financial position.Referring to the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme, APSRTC executive director (administration) KS Brahmananda Reddy said state-run RTCs across the country are developing modern depots and charging infrastructure for electric buses. “APSRTC would first identify the land required for operation and maintenance of e-buses before taking any decision on leasing out the remaining vacant lands on a long-term basis under the PPP model,” the ED said.According to him, the lease periods vary depending on the nature of projects, ranging from 5-20 years for retail fuel outlets, while projects undertaken under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model through public-private partnership (PPP) arrangements are allotted for 33-49 years.The corporation stated that leasing of APSRTC lands under the BOT model has been in practice since 2005. Over the past two decades, around 24.86 acres of APSRTC land have been allotted for 29 projects under the PPP framework as part of the corporation’s commercial development initiatives.

APSRTC further revealed that redevelopment of the Tirupati bus terminus is currently under consideration. The project is being planned with technical support from National Highway Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), a special purpose vehicle of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The proposed redevelopment aims to create a modern bus terminal with world-class passenger amenities while generating sustainable commercial revenue through the PPP model.The corporation said detailed guidelines are being formulated to ensure transparent allotment of land through an open tender process for the Tirupati project.Significantly, APSRTC clarified that no other proposals for allotment or development of its vacant lands under the PPP model are presently under consideration. Any future projects, it said, will also be implemented strictly through open tenders.