M T Krishna Babu officially took charge as Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) on Monday, announcing a comprehensive plan to modernize and expand the state’s public transportation system.
Addressing a review meeting at RTC House, Krishna Babu outlined a strategic initiative to introduce electric buses across the state within the next five years. Under the PM e-Bus scheme, the corporation plans to induct 1,050 electric buses, with an additional 1,450 electric and CNG buses slated for deployment soon.
Krishna Babu, who succeeded Ch Dwaraka Tirumala Rao following his retirement, emphasized the importance of these initiatives in reducing fuel consumption, controlling pollution, and promoting sustainable mobility. He highlighted that the shift to electric buses would also enhance passenger comfort and strengthen APSRTC’s financial position by lowering operational costs.
During the meeting, he reviewed the corporation’s current financial health, bus maintenance, passenger services, amenities at bus stations, and employee welfare programs. He praised the success of the ‘Stree Shakti’ scheme launched by former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, noting that 23-25 lakh women travel free daily, making women commuters account for over 65% of ridership. He also pointed out that bus occupancy rates have reached nearly 90%, contributing significantly to financial stability.
Krishna Babu discussed passenger satisfaction, citing an IVRS survey indicating that 80% of passengers are satisfied with RTC services, though he stressed the need to address issues related to toilets and drinking water facilities at bus stations.
The new MD also highlighted plans to maximize revenue through the commercial utilization of vacant RTC lands and the expansion of cargo services, which currently generate around Rs 210 crore annually.
Focusing on employee welfare, Krishna Babu assured that all government schemes and facilities would be extended to public transport department employees, with special attention to job security, improved working conditions, and timely resolution of grievances. Orders have been issued to provide alternative employment or additional monetary benefits to 682 employees declared medically unfit since January 2020, offering financial relief to their families.
Regarding infrastructure development, he announced ongoing road works spanning 10,700 km across the state. The government plans to release Rs 3,000 crore in phases—Rs 1,000 crore by March, Rs 1,500 crore by June, and Rs 500 crore by July—to fund road repairs, maintenance, and development projects. The initiative aims to expedite highway improvements and address existing infrastructure challenges, ensuring safer and more efficient transportation for citizens.
Top officials, including APSRTC’s executive directors K S Brahmananda Reddy, G V Ravi Varma, A Appala Raju, and FA & CAO Sudhakar Rao, were present at the meeting.