
APSRTC bags IT award for its automatic announcement system
In a statement, the corporation's Chief Engineer (IT) V. Sudhakar said the award has been given in recognition of the 'Automatic Announcement System (AAS) installed by the APSRTC that enables the corporation authorities to inform the passengers about bus movements in advance at all the main bus stations in the State.
Deputy Chief Engineer (IT) Y. Srinivasa Rao received the award on behalf of the Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of the Corporation Ch. Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, at a function held in Delhi on Saturday.
Mr. Tirumala Rao congratulated the officials, supervisors and staff for their achievement and said it was heartwarming to see the corporation winning multiple awards in recognition of its good work in different categories, under the able guidance of the Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
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