KSRTC to get 100 new buses as cooperative institutions offer sponsorship

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Around 100 profitable cooperative institutions have offered to provide 100 new buses to the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). Some institutions have also expressed their willingness to sponsor two buses each. The move comes after the Calicut City Service Cooperative Bank handed over Rs 40 lakh to KSRTC to purchase a new bus. Following this, several other institutions contacted Transport Minister C.P. John directly or called his office to express their willingness to fund buses.

The government is considering allowing cooperative institutions to use their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to support KSRTC. A favourable order is expected soon.

The Transport Department launched the scheme in June to get new buses for KSRTC without any direct financial burden on the government. The plan aims to raise funds from corporate organisations, private companies, cooperative institutions, individuals and groups. Sponsors will be allowed to display their advertisements inside and outside the buses. Their preferences regarding the bus design will also be considered. Priority will be given to the route suggested by the sponsor.

Initial target: 2000 buses

The Transport Department aims to acquire 2,000 buses through the scheme in the first phase. The target is to increase the number to 5,000 within five years.

Individuals can also sponsor a bus in memory of their loved ones. Their names and photographs can be displayed on the bus. They only need to provide the money required to purchase the bus.

A new diesel bus costs between Rs 36 lakh and Rs 43 lakh. At an estimated cost of Rs 40 lakh per bus, purchasing 2,000 buses would require Rs 800 crore.

“Other cooperative institutions and local bodies should come forward and follow the example set by the Calicut City Service Cooperative Bank.”
- CP John,
Transport Minister