Rourkela, July 10: A 6-day residential training programme (10th-15th July 2024) for OSRTC (Odisha State Road Transport Corporation) professionals commenced today in NIT Rourkela, officials said.

Organized by the Mechanical Engineering Department, the Capacity Building Course is being held in the department's seminar hall. After Phase I, which was held in June 2024 for OSRTC engineers and officials, this Phase II course is specifically designed for OSRTC Depot Managers.

The program began today, June 10th, 2024, with an inaugural session. Prof. Bukke Kiran Naik, the course coordinator, welcomed all 31 participants and highlighted that the capacity-building course will feature a diverse curriculum designed to enhance expertise in vehicle management, depot operations, transport policies, and sustainable transportation practices. Additionally, the course will cover bus air conditioning installation and the maintenance of CCTV cameras in bus depots etc.

In his inaugural address, Prof. S.K. Pratihar (Dean of Sponsored Research, Industrial Consultancy, and Continuing Education) highlighted that the course's comprehensive curriculum will enhance OSRTC professionals' skills in modern transportation systems, promoting efficiency and environmental responsibility. He also noted that this session includes new, engaging topics for participants to discuss with course experts.

Addressing the participants, Prof. S.K. Patel, Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department, expressed gratitude to the Government of Odisha for selecting their department to conduct this course.

"The feedback from Phase I participants was highly satisfactory. Our department, established 63 years ago, proudly counts many alumni serving in state and central government administrative roles. For instance, Sri Nikunja Bihari Dhal, recently appointed as Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister of Odisha, and IAS Bishnupada Sethi, Principal Secretary of SSEPD, Odisha, are notable alumni of our department," Prof. Patel said.

Expressing thanks to the NIT Rourkela administration, Laxmikanta Sethy, Additional Secretary (OSRTC), Bhubaneswar, said, "This course has been instrumental in guiding and shaping our OSRTC professionals, helping them to take ownership and accountability in their work. There was a time when OSRTC was on the brink of being sold to private players, but I am delighted to say that we are now operating with a fleet of 3,000 vehicles. We are also planning to provide skill development courses for our hardworking OSRTC professionals and eagerly anticipate Phase 3 of this Capacity Building Course at NIT Rourkela."

Prof. K. Umamaheswar Rao, Director of NIT Rourkela, attended the inaugural event and highlighted several key points that need to be addressed by bus depot managements across the country. He stated, "The primary goal of initiating such a program is to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers. In India, buses are primarily used out of necessity rather than for leisure tourism, which often results in overcrowding and acceptance of delays and inadequate facilities. We need to focus on implementing automatic steering, measuring noise levels during frequent honking, providing seat belts for passengers, introducing hydraulic brake systems, and limiting oil leakages. Additionally, we must streamline our schedules and leverage data and digital tools for smart scheduling to improve overall efficiency."

Prof. S. Murgan, the Course Coordinator, detailed the 6-day course schedule and concluded the event with a vote of thanks. He highlighted that the course will cover 'Bus Depot Management' (fuel, traffic, vehicle, inventory, facility, staff, and scheduling management), 'Vehicle Management' (off-road, hybrid, and autonomous vehicles), 'Sustainable Transport' (environmental impact, policy development, case studies, alternative fuels/power buses), and 'Stress Management' (healthy work environment, time management, relaxation techniques). Participants who perform satisfactorily in the examination on the final day will receive a certificate of participation.

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