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STD service launched in Haryana buses

Special Correspondent

First State in the country to offer such a service in roadways buses

CHANDIGARH: Haryana on Saturday became the first State in the country to have mobile STD and ISD PCO facilities in its State Roadways buses. Transport Minister Randeep Singh Surejewala flagged off the first such bus from the Inter-State Bus Terminus here.

Later talking to media persons, Mr. Surjewala said that these facilities had been provided on an experimental basis in 10 buses. If successful, these would be extended to other buses also.

He said that mobile PCOs were being fitted in the buses by Reliance Infocom Limited. The passengers having mobile phones would also be benefited as they would have to pay only the local call charges while calling within the State in which the bus was operating. They would not be required to pay any roaming charges.

He further clarified that no service charges and roaming charges would be incurred on the call made through these PCOs and the rates would be at par with the regular PCO. Hence this facility would be more economical than the mobile phones.

Mr.Surjewala asserted that the Government had no intention to privatise the State Transport Department other than to launch a few private buses and invite the private parties to provide better facilities at bus stands.

The Department was planning to launch CNG air-conditioned buses between Panchkula and Chandigarh.

While describing the mega- bus service launched between Gurgaon and Delhi recently as a grand success, he said that the Department was earning a net profit of more than 28 per cent as against the 10 to 12 per cent on the normal bus service. The Department was also planning to launch air-conditioned Volvo buses at the level of district headquarters of the State.

He said that the sitting capacity was being increased at the bus stands. The Department would provide sitting arrangements on the pattern of air-ports at the bus stands. All the existing bus stands were being renovated. Additional toilets were being constructed and safe drinking water was being provided through water coolers at all major bus stands. Also, facilities like internet cafes, ATMs, cloak rooms and fast food counters were being provided at the major bus stands.

On the recent bus fare hike, he said it was only nominal. For instance, the fare between Delhi and Chandigarh had been increased by Rs. nine only.

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STD service launched in Haryana buses

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