1,200 KSRTC Buses Get 2-Year Extension Amid Vehicle Shortage

Key Highlights:

• KSRTC buses get 2-year extension
• Public transport services saved from disruption
• Kerala government faces budget constraints
• Legal concerns over the extension of KSRTC buses

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has granted a two-year extension to 1,200 buses that were set to retire after completing their 15-year service limit. The state government's decision comes in response to concerns about potential disruptions in public transport services due to a shortage of buses.

Challenges Faced by KSRTC

KSRTC has been struggling with a significant reduction in its fleet, currently operating only 4,000 buses, down from 6,200 when the Left government took office. The lack of sufficient vehicles has made it difficult to maintain regular services, prompting the government to act.

Financial Struggles and Central Government Inaction

Earlier, the Kerala government had allocated INR 92 crore to purchase new buses, but financial constraints led to budget cuts, leaving KSRTC without funds to replace aging buses. In an attempt to resolve the issue, Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar had written to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, requesting permission to extend the buses' lifespan. However, no response was received from the central government.

Legal Concerns Over Extension

Despite the extension, some uncertainty surrounds the legal validity of the decision, as the authority to grant such extensions lies with the central government. This could potentially lead to legal challenges, but for now, the buses will remain operational, ensuring that passengers do not face any disruption in public transport services.

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CMV360 Says

The Kerala government’s two-year extension for 1,200 KSRTC buses helps prevent disruptions in public transport services. However, with financial constraints and potential legal challenges, the future of these buses remains uncertain, highlighting the need for long-term solutions to KSRTC's vehicle shortage.