KSRTC to get new Managing Director: Shainamol among contenders, decision rests with CM

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government is set to appoint a new Managing Director (MD) for KSRTC with discussions expected to take place during Wednesday's cabinet meeting. Minister KB Ganesh Kumar will propose several names but the final decision rests with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Former MD of Water Authority, Shainamol is among the names being considered. Shainamol, an IAS officer from the Himachal cadre hailing from Aluva is one of the contenders. Presently, Joint MD Pramoj Shankar is overseeing the MD's responsibilities and there is deliberation on granting him independent charge. If Shainamol assumes the role, she will be the first female head of the corporation currently serving as a woman officer for the post of Secretary of the Department of Transport.

Meanwhile, Biju Prabhakar who was recently transferred from the position of Transport Secretary to Industries Department Secretary met Minister Ganesh Kumar yesterday. The meeting aimed to dispel any perception of differences between Biju and the minister. Minister Ganesh Kumar commended Biju Prabhakar for his commendable work during his tenure with the Transport Department and KSRTC.

Biju Prabhakar served as the KSRTC chief for three years and eight months making him the second-longest-serving after TP Senkumar. He also held the position of department secretary for two and a half years. The newly appointed Secretary of the Industries Department will assume the post today.

Biju initially assumed the additional charge of KSRTC MD on June 15, 2020 while serving as Secretary of the Social Welfare Department. On July 7, 2021, he took full charge as Transport Secretary.