Promised funds not received; KSRTC huffing and puffing with old buses

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KSRTC is unable to purchase new buses due to the unavailability of the promised funds from the government. The corporation is unable to withdraw buses that are 15 years old or convert long-distance service buses that are five years old into ordinary due to this. KSRTC is struggling with old buses that have passed their expiry date. Buses lying half-way is becoming a daily occurrence due to this. Vehicles in poor conditions are being used for budget tourism services that generate double the revenue.

According to the central norms, buses that are 15 years old should be withdrawn from the roads. Although most states are following this, this is not possible in Kerala as KSRTC is unable to purchase new buses. Therefore, the expiry date of 1,117 buses that are 15 years old was extended by two more years in September last year. This is because if these buses are withdrawn, the travel woes will worsen. Out of 1800 long-distance buses, 1669 are five years old. 159 buses are still operating long-distance services even after 10 years.

New buses: Fund promise just in words

KSRTC decided to buy new buses four years ago, hoping to get 181 crores as KIIFB loan, but did not get the loan. Later, it was decided to buy from the 92 crores allocated as project share, but due to the financial crisis, the share was cut by half.

107 crores has been allocated in the new budget. Although it was said that the amount would be released in early April, there has been no sign so far.

Decided to purchase 143 buses

(for rural and long-distance services)

Minibuses.................................. 27

Nine meters long...................... 10

Superfast.................................. 60

Fast passenger.......................... 20

AC sleeper.................................. 8

Sleeper cum seater.................... 10

Semi sleeper............................... 8