Guwahati: Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) devised an innovative scheme to use its non-operational buses in business ventures to promote alternative business models and support aspiring entrepreneurs.
Corporation chairman Pallab Lochan Das inaugurated a converted food-vending bus, previously in non-operational condition, under the title “Rhino Food Express”, at the Inter-State Bus Terminal in the city. Das, a former MP, said the initiative aims to repurpose dormant buses for innovative business ventures such as food trucks, pharmacies, private chambers and additional enterprises.
“Numerous buses of the corporation have been lying non-operational. We contemplated reusing these buses differently. The corporation resolved in a meeting to convert the non-operational buses as venues for alternative businesses,” he added. Das indicated that entrepreneurs could approach ASTC to utilise these buses for various business purposes, including salons, restaurants, or doctors’ chambers. He specified that entrepreneurs would need to provide security money and monthly rent to ASTC for utilising the buses.
He disclosed that presently, approximately 60 commercially non-viable buses across various districts are available for this transformation, offering a promising platform for innovative business concepts. Meanwhile, ASTC managing director Chinmoy Prakash Phookan said the initiative aims to nurture entrepreneurship, create fresh income opportunities and generate supplementary revenue for ASTC.
He added that entrepreneurs can lease these buses for a five-year duration. The initiative’s branding incorporates the iconic Rhino logo, symbolising strength and resilience. Juritora Saikia, who manages a skill development institute, was acknowledged during the event as the first entrepreneur to benefit from this initiative.
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