THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KSRTC is set to submit a report challenging Transport Minister K.B Ganesh Kumar's belief that e-buses are not profitable. Joint MD PS Pramoj Shankar will temporarily lead as CMD replacing Biju Prabhakar who is currently abroad. It is indicated that Minister KB Ganesh Kumar may need to retract his stance claiming e-buses are not profitable. Additionally, he might have to reconsider his opposition to the e-bus projects proposed by the municipality and the center.

The report emphasizes that e-buses yield an average profit of Rs 8.21 per km reaching Rs 13.46 in July. From April to December 2023, a profit of Rs 2.88 crore was recorded. It also notes that e-bus collections only dip during low rush hours resulting in overall profitability when daily totals are considered.

In a bid to encourage e-mobility, the capital city will inform the transport department that diesel buses can't be procured under the Smart City scheme potentially impacting KSRTC's tender cancellation.

Regarding the central government's PME bus service scheme, the finance department may seek cabinet approval to purchase 950 buses. The initial phase allocates 150 E buses to Kochi and Kozhikode each, 100 to Kollam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kannur and 50 to Cherthala, Kayamkulam, and Kottayam.