Will release white paper on KSRTC's financial status: Minister CP John tells Kerala kaumudi

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Transport Minister C P John told Kerala Kaumudi that he will release a white paper on the revenue and financial status of KSRTC.

“The priority is to improve the institution. Currently, there are 4700 buses. Out of which 1500 buses are not in service. Opportunities will be sought to improve operations and increase income.

Providing free travel to women is an election promise of the UDF. It will be implemented. Its financial liability and ways to recover the money will be studied. It will be finalised in two weeks. There will be no income limit for free travel. But some conditions will have to be imposed,” said the Minister.

If free travel is implemented, there will be an additional burden of about Rs 90 crore per month. Currently, the government is paying Rs 50 crore for salaries and Rs 80 crore for pensions. There will also be an additional burden of Rs three crore per month due to the increase in fuel prices. When free travel is implemented, the government will have to provide Rs 220 crore in assistance. The minister told the paper that he is working out ways with his team of experts to resolve the issues.