Transport Dept planning to give 750 e-buses to SWIFT; KSRTC left with old vehicles

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Transport Department is planning to transfer 750 electric buses, brought on rent through the Central Power Department's National Bus Program, to SWIFT.

Switch Mobility, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland Company, won the tender to supply 450 electric buses.

The same department which decided to convert KSRTC into three independent profit zones is now denying electric buses.

The recently purchased electric buses and diesel buses were for SWIFT and KSRTC is left with old vehicles.

The validity of all 1800 super class buses of KSRTC has expired. There are 159 buses which are 10 years old. A new bus should run super class service only for five years. The rule is that such buses should be used to run ordinary services. Acording to the law, the bus must be dismantled after 15 years. However, there are 245 such buses in KSRTC used for ordinary service.

Earn profit

As per the central plan, 450 e-buses will be handed over in the first phase. On a single charge, these buses can be driven up to 350 km on average.

Along with the bus, the company will also provide the driver and will also carry out repairs. The rental is Rs 39.5 per km. After running 450 km, the fare will be Rs.20. Earlier, the rent paid for KSRTC Electra e-bus was Rs 43.20. Switch Mobility officials will arrive soon to conduct a route study.

Why SWIFT?

1. Attitude of employees who are generally averse to reforms

2. SWIFT can generate more profit

The counter-argument

1. New buses are needed to recover from losses

2. Eariler it was said that buses for SWIFT would be bought after taking loans. These buses are given by the Cente which should naturally go to KSRTC.