US firm offers to invest Rs 200 crore in Haryana's Public Transport

The Northern Lakes Data Corporation (NLDC), a US-based company, on Thursday offered to invest Rs 200 crore in Haryana to strengthen the public transport system and mobility. The offer was made by NLDC vice-president (transportation) Michael Wayne Stewart when a delegation led by him called on Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

Facts :

• The NLDC offered to provide 250 regular buses and 10 luxury buses to the state for being plied on different routes, as per the requirement.
• The NLDC planned to invest Rs 200 crore in the first phase and come up with more investment in the bus transportation system later.
• The company has a plan to introduce a bus e-ticketing system statewide through the point of sale devices, besides upgrading buses with GPS tracking devices to facilitate passengers with safety, reliability and comfort.
• Tenders had been floated for the purchase of 700 buses, of which the state government has got 510.
• Fresh tender would be invited soon for the purchase of 190 buses.

Analysis :

• This will create 2,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities for youth in the State.
• The company has dedicated team of experts that could support the state government in better audit controls and reduce operational costs.
• The construction of the 135-km long Kundli-Manesar-Palwal Expressway would open new vistas of the development in the state.

About NLDC :

• Based in Minnesota, The Northern Lakes Data Corporation ( NLDC) has expertise in providing back office solutions to transportation, tolling and public safety.
• It offers customer service center, violations processing, public-facing account management Web site, and toll audit modules.

By: Harman Sandhu