Apart from exploding mobile phones, KSRTC conductors are concerned of another 'explosive' device

KOLLAM: KSRTC's electronic ticket machines keep malfunctioning as 35 machines have been given to the company to repair, including those delivered six months ago. While many of the machines have been repaired, others are still not functional.

Conductors are not able to perform their duty because of issues like battery heating up fast, quick draining, display turning off frequently and tickets not coming out. If the tickets don't come out, the conductors lose money from their pockets. Recently, a ticket machine that came back after repair exploded after two days of use.

Employees say that smoke can be seen near the battery of many machines. There are also complaints that the machines given to fix the fault are returned without proper repair. The machines manufactured by a company named Softland are currently being used. The previous machines were withdrawn after it was used for eight years.

When the machine breaks down during peak hours, it also results in a loss of revenue for KSRTC reeling under a financial crisis.

Depot, total machines, faulty machines

Kollam: 87, 5

Chathannoor: 47, 3

Pathanapuram: 47,2

Aryankavu: 5

Punalur: 57, 5

Chadayamangalam: 46-1

Karunagappally: 66, 5

Kottarakkara: 135, 10

Kulathupuzha: 26, 1