Kudumbashree to run KSRTC counters

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has entrusted functioning of reservation counters to Kudumbashree Mission on income sharing basis.

Kudumbashree will run the counters in 18 KSRTC depots across the state and five counters outside the state.

This will be the first such venture between KSRTC and Kudumbashree. KSRTC staff are presently managing the reservation counters in depots.

Kudumbashree will take a commission fee of 3.9% and 4% in sale of tickets and coupons, respectively.

KSRTC will provide space for setting up of reservation counters and bear electricity charges, while infrastructure facilities including furniture, computer and network connection will be met by Kudumbashree.

“It is a good opportunity for women to generate income. We have been associating with railways in managing waiting halls and parking area. This will be the first tie-up with KSRTC. While, a project proposal to set up canteen, bus cleaning and maintenance of toilet was given to KSRTC by Kudumbashree Mission, the transport corporation proposed to handover the management of reservation counters,” said S Harikishore, executive director of Kudumbashree.

Kudumbashree will deploy 69 employees at 23 reservation counters of KSRTC.

“We have begun the staff selection process. It is estimated that the infrastructure facilities would cost around Rs 50,000 per counter,” added Harikishore.

Kudumbashree Mission will begin the training programme in the last week of September and is likely to take over the counters in the first week of October.