Transport Dept drops plan to split KSRTC into three zones

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Transport Department has decided to drop its proposal to restructure the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) into three zones- a move originally aimed at improving professionalism, efficiency, and revenue generation.

The plan, inspired by the Sushil Khanna Report, proposed dividing KSRTC into three independent zones- North, Central, and South- with headquarters in Kozhikode, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram, respectively. The decentralised model was expected to make KSRTC more competitive and financially self-sufficient, while also introducing performance-based incentives for employees.

Former KSRTC CMD and Transport Secretary Biju Prabhakar had completed the initial steps of the plan. KAS officers were to be appointed as zonal heads, and they had already received training for the role. However, the department later decided to abandon the project.

The change in the Transport Minister and the appointment of a new KSRTC CMD led to the plan being shelved. The zonal division proposal was based on a study report prepared under V. Namashivayam, a member of the State Planning Board. The idea was to establish separate corporations for each zone, similar to the model in Karnataka. Of the proposals made, only the KSRTC Swift, which manages long-distance services, has been implemented.

Salary and other expenses – zone-wise plan

• Each zone was to operate independently with a new name. Recruitment, transfers, and salary payments were to be handled regionally. Employee salaries, fuel costs, and spare parts expenses were to be met from zonal revenue.
• The government was to provide a fixed amount to cover loan repayments. Each zone could introduce new routes, take over private bus routes after their permits expired, or even hire private buses if required.

Proposed zonal divisions

1. South zone

Districts: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta

Depots: 36 | Buses: 2,190

2. Central zone

Districts: Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur

Depots: 35 | Buses: 1,650

3. North zone

Districts: Malappuram, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod

Depots: 21 | Buses: 1,400