KSRTC faces bus shortage as Sabarimala season begins, awaiting government payment for new fleet

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the Sabarimala pilgrimage season commences, KSRTC faces a severe shortage of buses due to delays in government payments for new vehicle purchases. Although KSRTC completed the entire tender process and trial runs for the purchase of 370 new buses, the deal has stalled over the government’s non-payment. Currently, only 10 superfast buses recently acquired by KSRTC Swift are operational.

Historically, KSRTC would purchase up to 100 new buses ahead of each pilgrimage season, deploying them as Super Class service at major depots. However, the last such purchase was made in 2016. For the 2024 season, the state government initially allocated Rs 92 crore for the project, prompting KSRTC to begin the purchase process. However, as the tender process concluded, the Finance Department decided to halve the project allocations across various departments. Although the Transport Department requested an exemption for KSRTC, no favorable decision has been made, not even on releasing half of the original amount.

KSRTC now finds itself in a critical situation, with outdated buses, some overdue for retirement, being repurposed for pilgrimage service. Approximately 500 to 600 buses are required to meet the demands of the Sabarimala pilgrimage season. To achieve this, KSRTC must redeploy vehicles from various depots. Fast and Superfast buses are set for long-distance services, while ordinary buses will operate between Pampa and Nilakkal. This large-scale reallocation will likely lead to service disruptions and longer wait times for travelers throughout Kerala.

In a stopgap measure last September, KSRTC secured a two-year extension for 1117 buses that had exceeded their 15-year service limit, although central regulations mandate the retirement of buses older than 15 years. KSRTC had urged the government for an extension, emphasizing that a sudden withdrawal of these buses would severely impact transportation services. Consequently, these buses have been permitted to operate for up to 17 years.