Chennai: Tamil Nadu’s state transport corporations are set to introduce a parcel-carrying facility on government express buses, beginning with 1,000 services in the first phase.
The state operates 21,515 buses daily through eight transport corporations. In a recently released white paper, the Tamil Nadu government said these corporations have outstanding debt of Rs 43,865 crore.
Officials said the new initiatives are aimed at increasing revenue without raising passenger fares. Measures under consideration include leasing out vacant spaces to private parties on long-term contracts, implementing solar power generation projects, and developing commercial complexes at bus stands.
As an immediate step, parcel booking will be enabled on outstation express buses. Passengers can book larger items and luggage that are difficult to carry by hand as parcels by paying a fee.
New buses will have a dedicated space at the rear for parcels, and the charges will be set on a “reasonable” basis. The facility is planned initially on 1,000 express buses connecting Chennai and other major cities.
