THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Transport Minister KB Ganesh Kumar recently disclosed plans to procure new buses tailored for rural services in an exclusive interview with a private channel. Emphasizing the advantages of smaller buses such as increased mileage and cost-effective tires, he highlighted the potential benefits for routes with low passenger traffic due to the burgeoning network of rural roads.

The minister also announced the reiteration of an experiment from 2001 and contemplated providing air-conditioned accommodation for long-distance drivers. However, he ruled out the necessity to expand student concessions proposing that concessions should only apply on school days without considering special passes for this purpose.

KB Ganesh Kumar and Kadannapalli Ramachandran were recently sworn in as new ministers in the second Pinarayi government, filling vacancies left by Ahmed Devarkovil and Antony Raju. Notably, Kadannapally Ramachandran has taken charge of departments overseeing Registration, Museum, Archaeology and Archives while KB Ganesh Kumar has been entrusted with Road Transport, Motor Vehicle and Water Transport departments.