Flush with funds, MBMC seeks to augment bus fleet

Prepares for a 40 crore proposal seeking JNNURM funds for enhanced public transport

After being selected as a beneficiary for the World Bank (WB) aid to enhance its public transport utility, the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC), aims at augmenting its bus fleet with funds from Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). The MBMC has prepared a Rs 40 crore proposal seeking JNNURM funds from Ministry of Urban Development.

Under WB’s Global Environment Facility, the transport utility has bagged Rs 10 crore grant for detailed planning, designing and up-gradation. However, the civic body aims to meet its growing transportation needs by procuring more buses and capacity building with central assistance. “The proposal includes procuring 70 buses (including mini and air-conditioned) and creating infrastructure to expand MBMT’s reach.

While many corporations are yet to prepare the proposal, we are ahead of our counterparts and hopeful of being funded early.” said Assistant Civic Chief, Deepak Sawant.

In the current patter n of JNNURM funding, availed by the MBMC, 50 and 20 percent cost of bus purchase has been provided by the Centre and State government respectively, the remaining 30 percent (to be paid by the MBMC) is borne by the private operator under the Net Cost PPP model, adopted by the MBMC. Ulhasnagar-based Kestrel Infrastructure has inked a 10-year build-own-operate-and-transfer deal agreeing to pay a royalty of Rupee1 per km. Presently, 55 buses run by a private operator ply on 28 various routes in and out of the twin city.