The recent ₹3.14 per litre increase in diesel prices has dealt a severe blow to the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) in the region.

The revision has directly impacted a combined fleet of 950 buses operating across Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli and Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) districts. Of these, 710 buses operate under the Visakhapatnam region, while 200 buses belong to the Anakapalli division.

With the regional fleet consuming nearly 57,000 litres of diesel every day, the fuel price hike has sharply escalated operational expenditure. The corporation is now burdened with an additional daily expense of ₹1,78,980. On a monthly basis, the added financial strain is estimated at ₹53,69,400, putting considerable pressure on the corporation’s working capital.

An internal assessment of fuel efficiency revealed significant variations between highway and urban operations. The regional fleet currently records an average mileage of 4.63 kilometres per litre (kmpl).

Buses operating on the Visakhapatnam-Yellamanchili route have registered the highest fuel efficiency at 5.20 kmpl. Officials attributed the improved performance to smooth and uninterrupted movement along National Highway 16 (NH16). In contrast, city services are affected by traffic congestion, frequent halts and prolonged idling, limiting fuel efficiency to around 5 kmpl.

In response to the increased fuel burden, APSRTC has intensified maintenance measures aimed at improving operational efficiency and reducing wastage. APSRTC Regional Manager B. Appala Naidu said comprehensive inspections of all buses would be conducted once every 15 days.

“To minimise wastage and improve operational efficiency, all buses will undergo regular inspections every 15 days. Special attention will be given to identifying and rectifying mechanical faults that lead to black smoke emissions, while ensuring compliance with fuel-efficiency and environmental standards,” Mr. Appala Naidu told The Hindu.

Alongside maintenance measures, the corporation has also launched specialised training programmes for drivers and maintenance staff, focusing on improving kilometres per litre performance.

The training modules are aimed at promoting fuel-efficient driving practices such as reducing unnecessary idling, optimising gear shifts and adopting progressive braking techniques. Officials said even marginal improvements in overall fleet mileage could help the corporation save several lakhs of rupees every month, easing financial pressure without immediately resorting to fare hikes.