No liquor outlets in KSRTC bus stands; transport minister changes stand after criticisms raised

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Transport Minister Antony Raju said liquor outlets will not be opened in KSRTC bus stands. He said that he had not thought of renting buildings at the bus stand to BEVCO.

The minister said vacant buildings were being considered for rent. The minister said this in an interview given to a private channel. Criticisms were raised when reports came on starting liquor stores at KSRTC bus stands.

Excise Minister M V Govindan had stated earlier that they have not thought of starting liquor shops in bus stands. Talks started to rent the buildings to BEVCO with the aim of generating non-ticket revenue for KSRTC. The government did not show any interest in the issue after it was widely criticized.