Different driving styles, different mileage readings; KSRTC's new 'training penalty' for drivers

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: One bus, two drivers and different mileage readings! KSRTC has come up with the 'One Litre Diesel Challenge' project to reduce the excessive diesel cost due to differences in driving style. The decision is to identify drivers who consume more diesel and offer them training to drive economically. Drivers who consume less diesel will also be rewarded.

The management proposes to save one litre of diesel per day. The goal is to ensure economic efficiency by increasing fuel efficiency.

A bus that runs a 100-kilometre service consumes 18 to 20 litres of diesel when driven by one driver. The action was taken after the KSRTC management found that the same bus consumes 22 to 24 litres of diesel when driven by another driver.

Diesel costs up to 4 crores

The daily diesel cost spent by KSRTC is between 3.5 crores to 4 crores. The aim is to reduce Rs 10 lakhs in the initial days and gradually Rs 25-50 lakhs. Through this, the monthly diesel consumption can be kept below 100 crores.

To achieve the target

• Daily mileage below 4 km should be increased to 4.20 km

• Proper maintenance of the engine and fuel systems will be ensured

• KMPL (kilometre/litre) data of buses, schedules and drivers will be monitored

• Special fuel efficiency training programs will be organised