THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Transport Minister KB Ganesh Kumar's assertion that electric buses are non-profitable and the decision to cease further purchases puts the minister in a challenging position. VK Prashant MLA and CPM state secretary MV Govindan contradict the minister's stance, emphasizing the importance of sustaining the electric city bus service. Ganesh Kumar's earlier criticism of corruption in KSRTC raises questions about his current stance on the electric buses.

The minister suggests that the cost of four diesel buses equals that of one electric bus drawing criticism from Prashanth who advocates for Thiruvananthapuram's transition to a solar city with reduced pollution through electric buses. Prashant highlights the public's acceptance of electric buses and urges KSRTC to establish a profitable maintenance system.

Govindan asserts that decisions rest with the cabinet, not just the minister issuing a warning and promising scrutiny if the minister's statements are based on a report. Meanwhile, former transport minister Antony Raju claims all electric buses in the capital operate at a profit, countering Ganesh Kumar's concerns.

In response to the controversy, Ganesh Kumar seeks a report from KSRTC MD detailing the financial performance of electric bus services including revenue and route specifics.