CHENNAI: Following a decent response to transport of goods, Tamil Nadu Transport Department will soon launch courier services through State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) buses.
"In the initial phase, the services would be made available on Chennai-Madurai and Chennai-Trichy routes and will be expanded to other TN districts based on the response," said K Elangovan, managing director of SETC.
SETC has studied the rates offered by trucks, other private firms and other state transport corporations, particularly Karnataka and it has planned to offer courier services through its buses at 10-20% lesser cost, he said.
Public can approach timekeepers at government bus depots and terminus to book or receive their parcels. To avoid confusion, text messages, which will contain info of the bus number, booking ID etc, will be sent to the registered mobile numbers of both the parties.
As far as transportation of larger goods was concerned, SETC is currently receiving close to 30 bookings per day and is earning up Rs.10,000 through this. Majority of them were cheese, fish and dry cargo packages, which range from 40 kg to 80 kg each, according to official data.
As word has started to spread about safer and cheaper transportation of goods, SETC has started receiving queries even from private courier firms to regularly transport their goods as hiring a truck has become a costly affair now due to fuel price hike.
Passengers, however, raised concerns. "If they are going to use luggage compartments for transporting goods, where do we keep our heavy bags?" asked S Thirunavukkarasu, a regular SETC user. Authorities clarified that only the rear compartment will be used for goods and those in the sides and inside the bus are earmarked only for passengers.
Explore the yearly horoscope 2025 for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces zodiac signs. Spread love this holiday season with these New Year wishes, messages and quotes.
Start a Conversation
Post comment