High Court quashes provision restricting private buses from operating beyond 140 kilometres; huge blow for KSRTC

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has quashed the provision that private buses should not be granted permits for a distance of more than 140 km in the state. The provision was part of the motor vehicle scheme. The court issued the crucial ruling on the petition filed by private bus operators. The ruling is expected to be a huge blow for the KSRTC.

The petitioners argued that the provision in the Motor Vehicle Department's scheme, which prohibits granting permits to private buses for distances over 140 kilometres, is unlawful. The court issued its order upholding this argument. Private bus operators in the state have been demanding permits for long-distance routes for a long time.

The court order will allow private buses to operate services beyond 140 kilometres with a permit, potentially impacting KSRTC’s long-distance routes. This is expected to affect the corporation’s revenue.