Guwahati: With a commitment to transforming Assam's public transportation, the newly appointed Chairman of Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC), Pallab Lochan Das, is set with his new visions.
In an exclusive interview with Business North East, Das outlines his ambitious plans to introduce eco-friendly buses, digitize operations, and expand services to rural areas, all while addressing long-standing employee concerns and financial challenges. His vision promises a complete overhaul of ASTC, aiming to deliver superior service to the public and foster sustainable growth.
Excerpts of the interview is as under :-
Business North East: As we all know, ASTC is introducing many new initiatives for the public. Could you tell us more about the new plans you have as the new chairperson of ASTC for the public, your staff, and everyone involved?
Chairman: A few months ago, I was given this responsibility by our Chief Minister. As chairman of ASTC, I understand that people expect a lot from us, and it’s our prime duty to provide them with the best service. We have a few key initiatives planned.
BNE: That sounds interesting. Could you elaborate on these initiatives?
Chairman: Sure. First, we want to introduce eco-friendly buses for the public. Secondly, we are working on monitoring everything visually to ensure efficiency. We also face some challenges with our employees, as there are long-pending issues that need resolution. We are planning a complete overhaul of ASTC's operations, with a step-by-step approach over the next year. Our vision is to change the outlook and working style of ASTC completely.
BNE: What other improvements are you planning for ASTC's operations?
Chairman: We plan to introduce a digitized system, starting with a smart parking system. We aim to incorporate technology in our buses to monitor their operations effectively. The Government of India is funding our ITMS
(Intelligent Technology Management System) project, which focuses on technology management. We are also introducing new buses too. We are also exploring new areas to provide better bus services to the public, especially in key locations. Additionally, we are focused on the social security of our workers, ensuring that both permanent and contractual employees receive the benefits they deserve.
BNE: How do you plan to expand ASTC's services to all parts of Assam, especially rural areas?
Chairman: We are planning to expand our services to interior places where our presence is currently lacking. We are consulting with divisional officers to identify areas that need our services. Our goal is to provide the best service to people in all parts of Assam, including remote areas like Jorhat, Tinsukia, and other places far from Guwahati. We hope to implement these changes within a year.
BNE: We have heard that ASTC has been experiencing financial losses in recent years. What is your understanding of the financial status since you joined?
Chairman: Our financial position has been challenging due to long-pending issues from the past 20-30 years in previous tenure. However, since last year, we have been managing to pay salaries on time and address other benefits like PF. We are gradually increasing our income and hope to manage everything smoothly within six months. After Puja we will provide more benefit to our employees. Our aim is to make ASTC a profit-making organization in the near future.
BNE: ASTC has been collaborating with various start-ups? How satisfied are you with these collaborations, and what are your future plans?
Chairman: Collaborations with startups and new initiatives are very important. We need to provide better facilities for these new ventures. We are planning intensive discussions and focusing on how to encourage these startups. Private parties and new initiatives need our support, and we are committed to exploring this area further.
BNE: Do you have plans to create more employment opportunities within ASTC?
Chairman: Absolutely, we need more buses and facilities, which will create more employment opportunities. We are also considering monetizing our properties through the public private partnership mode to increase income. With more buses, we can provide more employment opportunities for the new generation.
BNE: What kind of innovations and technology upgradation are you planning to introduce in ASTC?
Chairman: We are implementing an ITMS project to monitor all buses, ensuring transparency and efficiency. We are also working on smart mechanisms and digitized systems to serve the public better. Our goal is to make all operations transparent and efficient, providing the best service to the people.
BNE: Is ASTC doing anything to encourage tourism in the state?
Chairman: Yes, we have schemes like Dharmajyoti for the pilgrims. Secondly, we are providing buses for government and public meetings. We are also discussing with the Tourism Department how to attract more tourists and provide better services with tourist friendly buses. This is still in the planning stage, but we are working on it.
BNE: How is ASTC benefiting from the introduction of EV buses?
Chairman: EV buses are very profitable and environmentally friendly. The Government of India and Assam is supporting us in this initiative. We are gradually converting our fleet to EVs and introducing new buses regularly. Our goal is to have a fully eco-friendly fleet in the future.
BNE: Finally, where do you see ASTC in the next five years?
Chairman: Within six months, you will see significant changes in ASTC. We aim to become a profit-making organization within the next two years and continue providing the best services to the people
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