UPSRTC Boosts Fleet with 370 Additional Buses for Holi Festivities in Varanasi
The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) has announced a significant expansion of its bus services to accommodate the surge in travel demand during the upcoming Holi festival. In a strategic move to ensure safe and smooth transportation, the corporation will deploy a total of 370 additional buses across the Varanasi region. This enhanced service will be operational for a duration of 10 days, spanning from February 28 to March 9, 2024.
Detailed Route-Wise Deployment of Extra Buses
According to UPSRTC officials, the additional fleet includes 137 newly added buses to supplement the existing operations. The route-specific breakdown reveals a targeted approach to manage high-traffic corridors:
- Varanasi-Gorakhpur Route: 114 extra buses will be allocated to this key pathway, addressing one of the busiest travel links during the festive season.
- Varanasi-Shaktinagar Baidhan Route: 68 additional buses will operate on this route to cater to passenger needs.
- Varanasi-Lucknow Route: 55 supplementary buses will be deployed to facilitate travel between these major cities.
Furthermore, UPSRTC has confirmed that the number of trips on other regional routes will be increased as per demand, ensuring comprehensive coverage and minimal inconvenience for travelers.
Special Incentive Scheme for Drivers and Conductors
To motivate and reward staff during this busy period, UPSRTC has introduced a special incentive scheme. Employees who work continuously for nine days will receive an incentive of Rs 3,600, calculated at a daily rate of Rs 400. This incentive is contingent upon maintaining an average daily operation of 300 kilometers.
For those who extend their service to 10 consecutive days, the incentive rises to Rs 4,500, with a daily rate of Rs 450. Additionally, contract and outsourcing drivers will be eligible for extra compensation at the rate of 55 paise per kilometer for driving beyond the prescribed standard kilometers.
The corporation has also made provisions to provide incentives to other employees working during the specified festive days, ensuring fair recognition for all contributing staff members.
Official Statement and Operational Goals
Regional Manager Parshuram Pandey emphasized that this initiative aims to enhance passenger safety and comfort during the Holi rush. By strategically increasing bus services and offering staff incentives, UPSRTC seeks to maintain efficient operations and reduce travel-related stress for thousands of commuters.
This proactive measure underscores UPSRTC's commitment to public service and its adaptability in managing seasonal travel peaks, setting a benchmark for festive transportation management in Uttar Pradesh.
