THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government will request centre that if the lockdown is not extended after May 3, the public transport system should be relaxed considering the current situation in Kerala. The state transport department is planning to demand a special concession to run buses including KSRTC as the state has been able to stop the spread of COVID to a certain extent.

Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari will hold talks with all transport ministers of states via video conference. At this meeting, the state’s demand will be informed to the center, Transport Minister A K Saseendran told Kerala Kaumudi Online.

The public transport system will be implemented following COVID rules and after all security arrangements made. Once centre’s permission is obtained, there will be no services in red zones and hotspot areas where strict restrictions remain.

It was earlier agreed that public transport would be started in the state with strict restrictions but the centre denied permission. The second phase of the lockdown expects a significant improvement in controlling COVID-19.

Transport Minister said the state will submit a proposal to the center asking for relaxation of public transport from lockdown restrictions.

The agenda of the meet called by the union minister will be obtained only tomorrow. The minister said that after the meeting to be convened on the 28th, the centre would clarify on the services including that of the KSRTC.

The state is not expecting the lockdown to be completely withdrawn after May 3. Many states have demanded to extend the lockdown by two more weeks.

Some northern districts in Kerala are completely in the red zone. Strict restrictions will continue.