APSRTC's New MD Pushes for Passenger Comfort and Financial Health

VIJAYAWADA — In his first major review since taking the helm, Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) Managing Director Kona Sasidhar laid out a clear, urgent vision: improve everything from bus reliability to passenger experience, all while tightening the purse strings and boosting revenue.

A Holistic Overhaul

Sasidhar, who also serves as Transport Secretary and Vice-Chairman, didn’t mince words. He called for “top priority” to be given to quality maintenance of buses, fleet availability, and efficient resource use. But it wasn’t just about mechanics and money; he stressed that employee welfare should receive “equal attention,” signaling a balanced approach to corporate health.

Officials from various departments presented detailed reports on performance, revenue streams, and operational metrics. The room felt focused, charged with the weight of expectation.

Focus on Key Initiatives

Two schemes stood out in his directives: Stree Shakti and Divyanga Shakti. For Stree Shakti, a part of the state’s Super Six programme, Sasidhar insisted that women passengers face “no inconvenience” during travel. He urged officials to strengthen field-level arrangements to ensure safe, smooth, and comfortable journeys for women.

Similarly, he reviewed the implementation of Divyanga Shakti, instructing that its benefits reach “all eligible passengers.” His tone was firm but hopeful — here was a leader who wanted tangible outcomes, not just paperwork.

The Path Ahead

Sasidhar emphasized close coordination among departments, prompt issue identification, and timely resolutions. He urged a collective effort to hit the corporation’s targets — a rallying cry for teamwork in the face of operational challenges.