KSRTC bags fuel efficiency award

Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has bagged the Excellence Award instituted by New Delhi-based Institute of Economic Studies, for its efforts in reducing losses by increasing fuel efficiency.

Corporation's chairman and managing director K P Somarajan was chosen for the Udyog Rattan Award for leading the campaign.

KSRTC had been implementing its 'Save Fuel' campaign since April, 2005, with the co-operation of drivers, mechanical and other staff and officers and active involvement of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and Petroleum Conservation and Research Association of India (PCRA).

As per this programme, more than 3,000 drivers had been imparted training in fuel saving driving techniques at the Staff Training Centre in the city.

At the beginning of the campaign, KSRTC had a fuel efficiency of 3.74 km per a litre of diesel. The training given to its drivers has helped improve the overall fuel efficiency to 4.01 km per litre, a KSRTC statement said. Depots like Harippad and Mavelikkara had achieved fuel efficiency of 4.50 km per litre, it added.

Taking into account the average distance of over 12 lakh km run by KSRTC buses, a saving of 22,000 litres of diesel per day had been achieved. The savings on account of fuel saved per month amounted to Rs 2.24 crore every month and Rs 30 crore a year, the release said.

The award was presented by M V Rajasekharan, Union Minister of State for Planning, at a function held at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, on 25 July.