Goodbye white tourist buses? Kerala orders colour code review

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government has directed the State Transport Authority (STA) to reconsider the uniform colour code imposed on tourist buses, taking into account the All India Tourist Vehicles (Permit) Rules, 2023 and concerns raised by the tourism sector. Transport Department Secretary T V Anupama issued an order asking the authority to take necessary action in accordance with the central rules while ensuring full compliance with the Kerala High Court's road-safety directions. The move does not immediately scrap the existing colour code; any change will depend on the STA's decision.

The colour-code requirement for contract carriage vehicles other than light motor vehicles was introduced in Kerala on August 11, 2021, following the High Court's directions on road safety. Tourist bus operators have since argued that the restrictions have put Kerala-registered buses at a disadvantage, particularly as All India Tourist Permit vehicles from other states can reportedly operate without similar colour restrictions. They have also claimed that the rules have reduced demand for Kerala-registered buses and discouraged owners from registering vehicles in the state, affecting government revenue from motor vehicle tax, permit fees and other sources. The issue had already come up before the STA in March, when it considered allowing tourist buses to use colours other than the existing prescribed scheme while retaining restrictions on large film-star cut-outs and other road-safety-related modifications.

The latest government order now puts the issue back before the STA for reconsideration under the prevailing regulatory framework. The authority has been asked to issue the necessary order in accordance with the 2023 central rules and ensure that the 2019 High Court judgment and its road-safety directions are fully followed. A final decision on whether the existing colour restrictions will be changed is yet to be taken.