Minister KB Ganesh Kumar announces measures for KSRTC improvements in assembly

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister KB Ganesh Kumar announced in the assembly that KSRTC employees will undergo alcohol testing and they will be given proper salary and benefits as well. This statement was made during a discussion on fund requests when M. Vincent, the organizational leader of KSRTC, suggested that the government should check if employees had consumed alcohol.

The minister also assured that employees' salaries would be paid in a single installment on the first date of the month. He highlighted a significant reduction in accident rates from eight per week to two due to stricter driver testing. In January, 1,600 buses were idle in the shed, but now the number has decreased to less than 500.

KSRTC will undergo complete computerization, with renovation projects set to be implemented within six months. Funds for computers will be raised from the MLA fund. The introduction of more AC buses and punctual services aims to regain passengers lost during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The plan to pay employees' salaries in one lump sum on the first date will be implemented soon. Pension payments have been completed up to May 2022, with the remainder to be done in phases. Ten additional mini AC superfast buses will be launched, currently profitable on the Ernakulam-Thiruvananthapuram route. Restaurants and 21 convenient toilets will be established at 15 stations, and the initiative to set up small stalls in buses will be expanded.

The "Smart Saturday" scheme will be introduced to keep Motor Vehicle Department and KSRTC office premises clean. On this day, there will be no work after noon, allowing employees to clean the office before going home. Additionally, KSRTC will start more driving schools in the state, offering free education to scheduled castes and tribes.