ksrtc

The Kerala High Court’s order banning advertisements on KSRTC buses has come as a big blow to the financially constrained transport corporation’s efforts to rake in revenues. The corporation is begging the government each month to provide salaries for its employees. The revenues from ticket selling alone are not enough to run KSRTC.

The loan payment is becoming burdensome. The ban comes at a time when the corporation is looking for other means to increase its revenue like allowing shops in depots, starting petrol pumps, etc.

The High Court’s order comes in the background of the Vadakkancherry bus accident in which nine persons, including students, were killed. The court had earlier banned the use of blinding lights and advertisements, big sound systems, and lights of different colors. In addition, the court ordered to nab those buses that are violating these rules. The transport department is executing this order across the state.

The High Court has now extended its ban on the advertisement on buses to KSRTC buses also. It is not to be said that this court order will not be beneficial to the corporation, which is trying to increase its revenue.

There is a mistake in considering KSRTC buses on the same level as luxury buses, which are known to violate transport laws intentionally. It will be a big blow to KSRTC if advertisements are not allowed on its buses. In recent times, the revenue from advertisements for KSRTC rose to Rs.10 crores.

Not only in Kerala but in other states too, the public transport buses have advertisements. In these times, every organization needs advertisements, and crores of rupees are being spent on them. Isn’t it good that a share of that money goes to the KSRTC?

Not only the KSRTC but the Railways also run on the revenue it's generating through providing advertisement spaces. It cannot be said that advertisement is the reason for road accidents. The main reasons are those who drive without following traffic rules, the condition of our roads, and the overconfidence of our careless drivers.

Awareness about how to use public roads must be first generated among the people. Aren’t boards on the roadsides more dangerous than advertisements on buses?

The Corporation must indeed approach the higher court against the order that cuts its revenue source. Usually, courts do not meddle with the policies of the government. Anyway, the management of the corporation must discuss with the government about filing an appeal in the higher court.