MoU handed over to IIM Director; KSRTC all set for major move

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government is collaborating with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Kozhikode, to improve the operational efficiency and quality of travel services of KSRTC. The process of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been initiated to provide training to officials and utilise management expertise. The decision was taken during a discussion held under the chairmanship of Transport Minister C.P. John, IIM Director and KSRTC CMD. The draft of the MoU prepared by KSRTC has already been handed over to the IIM Director.

The collaboration aims to provide management training and leadership development for various categories of personnel. Apart from IT, technical and accounts department personnel, drivers, conductors, station masters, etc., who interact directly with passengers will also be given special training. Apart from communication, etiquette and security awareness, the training will also include better service to women, children, differently abled and senior citizens. IIM has submitted a detailed outline including training fees, study material and accommodation.

Passenger opinion surveys, expansion of online services, artificial intelligence and data analytics-assisted systems will also be developed as part of this. Studies will also be conducted to enable KSRTC to utilise the new logistics opportunities arising from the Vizhinjam port and national highway development. IIM students will also have the opportunity to do internships at KSRTC.

The Transport Minister hailed it as a major step towards transforming KSRTC into an efficient public transport system. The CMD also clarified that this collaboration will strengthen projects such as modernisation of buses, KSRTC SWIFT operations, and depot renovation.