RTC in Kadapa incurs huge losses

Kadapa: In the wake of increasing Covid-19 cases in neighbouring states - Karnataka, Telangana and Tamil Nadu, the occupancy ratio in APSRTC in Kadapa district has been reduced by 40 per cent. According to official sources, the occupancy ratio will further come down in coming days following the closure of educational institutions and software offices in Karnataka and Telangana states. The post postponement of marriages has also an impact on RTC. Proddaturu is popular for gold business and is a commercial centre in the district. Gold traders in big numbers from Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai come to Proddatur by travelling in RTC buses every day for business transactions.

People in thousands from surrounding villages come to Proddatur to purchase gold and for other business purposes, especially during the marriage season, March and April.

In the wake of fast-spreading of coronavirus, traders temporarily suspended their business operations and people confined to their homes hitting the income of APSRTC.

It is said about 40,000 people come to Proddaturu from surrounding villages every day for various needs. According to Proddaturu depot manager N Madhusekhar Reddy, 84 RTC and 66 hired (total 150 buses including Palle Velugu) are being operated to transport about 66,000 commuters covering 59,000 kms distance every day. He said during normal days Proddaturu depot earns Rs 25 lakh per day. Due to the spreading of coronavirus, the revenue had come down to Rs 17 lakh per day for the last week.

When contacted by Hans India APSRTC Kadapa Regional Manager T Jithendar Reddy said that occupancy ratio drastically come down in 80 services out of the 870 buses operating in the district.