Bhubaneswar, July 21: The state government would hire a project management consultant to launch an advanced public transport system in the form of the city bus service here.

The project management consultant would undertake surveys and study the data available with the authorities to check the viability of the system, which includes installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in buses and at the bus stops, along with that of global positioning system (GPS) to track buses on the go.

Besides, there would be facilities such as passenger information system with commuters getting relevant information about buses and bus routes through audiovisual medium at the bus stops and also inside the vehicles.

"We have floated tenders to hire project management consultant for the plan," said a senior official of Bhubaneswar Puri Transport Service Limited. The transport body is formed with stakeholders from various government agencies related to the housing and urban development department and the transport department to manage the city bus service.

The project management consultant will also co-ordinate the installation, monitor the project as a whole and evaluate the outcome and impact. Besides, it will also make plans for communication strategy for public awareness generation and conduct outreach programmes in schools, colleges and among the general public about the new system and its proper use. They would also provide training to drivers, conductors and other bus staff members on the new system.

The official said the objective of floating this request for proposal tender was to hire the firm with adequate experience of using such intelligent transport system.

"We are going to hire a firm that would be the project management consultant and help us in the technical aspects of this advanced public transport system. After the survey, ground work and reports, we will go for implementation of the project," said Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation commissioner Krishan Kumar, who had headed a related meeting last month.

The Telegraph had earlier highlighted that Rs 5 crore provided by the state housing and urban development department for installation of CCTVs and the GPS in the city buses had been lying unused with the transport body for over two years. The focus of the project is to ensure safety and security of passengers, especially women. The money was allocated following the Delhi gang-rape incident that had shocked the entire nation.

The transport body officials had then said the lack of technical persons in the firm for conducting groundwork was delaying the project. Of the 185 city buses, 145 ply on 21 routes in Bhubaneswar, Puri, Cuttack and Khurda. The fleet includes 12 air-conditioned vehicles with inbuilt CCTV cameras.