Established in 1992, Network Travels is the first Government-recognized tour operator in North-East India and is the largest private fleet operator in the region. We had an opportunity to talk to Mr. P. Dutta, Managing Director, Network Travels, and know about his company’s performance in FY’16 and plans for 2020 and beyond.
Said Mr. Dutta: “Network Travels registered positive growth in FY’16. We have replaced around 32 old non-AC buses with new ones. There has been constant positive feedback from the public about our service, and thus we notice a marked rise in occupancy. We have been focusing on improving the quality of our fleet and introducing new routes in the region.”
Outlining his company’s expansion plan and foray into new routes, Mr. Dutta gave a summary of the recent inclusions: “Network has included new AC coaches on the Guwahati-Itanagar route. The newly-introduced Guwahati-Lakhimpur route has two AC coaches, which has commenced service from mid-July. There are plans to run non-AC coaches on the Itanagar-Pasighat route as a day service. The Pasighat-Namsai route is also proposed to be connected by a non-AC service by winter 2016 through the Trans Arunachal Highway via Roing and Tezu. Guwahati-Imphal is also planned to be connected with an AC service soon. New non-AC coaches will replace the old buses on the Mangaldoi-Tinsukia / Doomdooma route via Tezpur.”
Forward-looking approach
Mr. Dutta elaborated on his plan of going in for premium segment buses like Volvo and Scania. Touching on his long-term goals, he said that he has plans for starting a high-end bus service from Guwahati to New Delhi, covering almost 2,000 km one way, as also to set up roadside restaurants with amenities like food courts, toilets, parking facilities and cafeterias for the benefit of bus passengers.
Network Travels recently started its bulk SMS service for providing information regarding its bus services. It is now developing its mobile app on android and iOS platforms for launch in September. It is the first private operator from North-East India to have its own online ticket booking portal.
“We are currently maintaining an optimum age for our vehicles, which enables us to maintain our fleet promptly and in a better way. We wish to maintain equilibrium of 90% night and 10% day service by 2020. In order to remain a sustainable fleet operator, we are committed to effect a major transportation in the transport sector in the region”, he concludes.