KSRTC to roll out 143 new buses to add colour to Onam celebrations

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KSRTC is set to roll out 143 new buses to brighten the Onam celebrations. This marks the corporation’s first bus purchase in nine years. Of the total, 106 buses will be allotted to KSRTC-Swift, while 37 buses will serve KSRTC’s ordinary services. The Transport Department plans to make this launch a major celebration. The event will be held at Kanakakunnu Palace from August 23 to 25.

The first batch of 80 buses, comprising 60 Super Fast and 20 Fast Passenger buses, manufactured by Tata Motors, is expected to arrive soon. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will flag off the buses on August 23. During the event, the Chief Minister will also inaugurate KSRTC’s new digital initiatives, including the launch of a new travel card and student’ cards. Transport experts are expected to participate in the three-day expo.

Premium buses, including 10 AC sleeper-cum-seater coaches and eight AC semi-sleeper coaches from Ashok Leyland, will also be introduced. In addition, 37 smaller 9-meter-long buses will be deployed for ordinary services. All buses are expected to be operational before Onam.

Last purchase in 2016

The last time KSRTC purchased buses was in 2016, when 100 buses were bought under the then Transport Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan. In April 2022, 116 buses were purchased exclusively for KSRTC-Swift during the tenure of Minister Antony Raju.