THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the spread of the pandemic has reached alarming levels in the state, KSRTC is not in a situation to take further risks in all districts, especially in Thiruvananthapuram, says transport minister A K Saseendran. Now services are being operated with grave concern. If the situation of Covid-19 continues like this, the ministry might shut down the services. Covid-19 regulations are being implemented by the state government, therefore, a final decision would be only taken after consulting with the cabinet, the minister told Keralakaumudi Flash in an interview.

Employees concerned

Now, KSRTC is operating only a few services. Almost all places have become containment zones. The buses can pass through such places but they can’t board or stop the buses at the bus stops concerned. Almost in all districts, more than 20 areas are containment zones. KSRTC staff are worried over the spike in the number of cases. If the spread of the pandemic worsens then we might have to close down the services. In many areas, employees were tested positive for covid-19, therefore they are concerned.

No disputes with them

Government has no disputes with private bus owners. Many people think that they are not taking buses due to rift with government. But the reality is that people are not using buses. Govt has done all possible measures to help private bus owners. Even if we increase or decrease the charges nobody will use buses. Even in KSRTC, a miniscule portion of profit is being received from long-distance services.

Have to sustain

KSRTC is not able to meet its expense. As it is the period of pandemic, govt is giving money to pay for the salary and pension of employees. Now governmnet is promptly paying the salary and pension of KSRTC staff. But the future is uncertain. No body is going to give money in the post covid-19 period. All transport services in the state as well as in other states are facing the same situation. Including train and airways, all transport services has broken down. It will take time to overcome this crisis, but have to sustain till then.

Two-wheelers for everybody

People are self-restraining now but they are traveling too. They are travelling in their own vehicles. Registration of two-wheelers has increased in the state. Thiruvanathapuram’s case is the ample demonstration of that phenomenon. It is an indication.

No new projects

KSRTC is not going to have any new projects recently. We are not thinking about that. But in order to boost our reach among the people we will soon implement the computerisation drive. Our main agenda is to woo private vehicle owners. The ‘bus-on-demand’ service started in Thiruvanthapuam linking Neyyattinkara and Nedumangadu is a successful one. We will try to expand this service in all districts. But central government has not taken our plea to grant financial assistance. We have demanded a package of Rs 1,000 crores but they haven’t considered our plea.

Biju Prabhakar is efficient

Newly appointed MD of KSRTC, Biju Prabhakar is an efficient officer. He does things after detailed study. He knows to resolve issues after clearly understanding them. But, due to unconducive situation he is not able to better the functioning of the corporation. We thought that we could run the corporation in a better way and we have devised plans for that but the Covid-19 pandemic has shattered our plans.