Improved NMMT ups earnings
IN THREE MONTHS Transport body gains by increasing its fleet of buses, reducing expenses and giving better service
The Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT), that has been bleeding for years is finally witnessing a turnaround in its fortunes.
The past three months, since municipal commissioner Tukaram Mundhe took over, have witnessed a significant spurt in its revenue, reduction in losses and increase in the services.
In 2015, from May to July, 8,604 buses were plying on the road. There has been a significant rise of 12.9% in the number of buses in the past three months. The fleet has increased to 9,881.
In the same period last year, the buses had run 26.85 lakh km. This year in the three month period, the buses ran 30.41 km showing an increase of 11.7 %.
This has resulted in an increase of 9% in revenue from Rs8.92 crore to Rs9.80 crore.
There has also been a reduction in the expenses by 9.1%. The per kilometre cost from May to July last year was Rs53.66 which has now come down to Rs49.17.
The per kilometre loss during the period last year was Rs12.18 per km which has come down to Rs9.11 per km, a drop of 33.7%.
Additional municipal commissioner Ankush Chavan said, “The decision taken by the commissioner since he took charge on May 2, have had a two-way effect on NMMT’s fortunes. It has witnessed an increase in revenue while its losses have reduced. The overall efficiency has improved which has ultimately benefited the residents in a big way.”
He said, “This has been possible because the commissioner laid stress on the discipline amongst the officials and personnel. Action was taken against absenteeism and lethargy at work. Biometric attendance was initiated for field personnel too. A system of daily checks was introduced.”
He added, “Personnel have been posted at important bus terminals during peaks hours to provide information to passengers and help them have a comfortable journey. Five new services have also been started after taking into account the demand from residents. Eight loss-making bus routes were discontinued and changes were made in other routes to provide efficient service.”
With the help of World Bank experts, special training programmes were organised for the drivers, They were trained in proper engine management and their driving style was also improved. The training will be continued in the future too.
A group of senior NMMT officials has been formed under NMMT general manager Shirish Aradwad. The group has been asked to suggest and implement innovative ideas to reduce the cost of the transport body and boost its revenue. With the help of RTO, special drives are also being conducted to curb illegal passenger transportation.
