KSRTC's decision to buy CNG buses might cause loss for Swift services

​​​THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the decline in sales, CNG bus manufacturing companies are approaching the buyers with big offers. In addition to lowering the price, there will be other offers. KSRTC plans to buy more buses by utilising this situation.

With the purchase of CNG buses at a cost of Rs 455 crore borrowed from KIIFB, there are strong concerns that Swift, which was set up to save KSRTC, could fall into debt. When the plan to buy CNG bus was considered during 2016-17, the then MD of KSRTC, who had conducted a preliminary study on it, opposed it. Later CMDs were of the same opinion.

Not only does it have a shorter lifespan than the diesel bus, it also requires extreme care in maintenance. It has an engine that heats up quickly. Load bearing capacity is also low. It is also not compatible for the roads in Kerala.

The KSRTC management said in a press release that the CNG buses will be used for both ordinary and coastal services. It is not clear how the Swift company which is used for long-distance service will conduct ordinary service.