THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As part of reviving the debt-ridden state road transport corporation, the government would infuse Rs 50 crore into KSRTC, exclusively for inducting more modern buses into its fleet.
Transport minister A K Saseendran said the infusion of funds, part of the second phase of revival plan, would be used to purchase buses of three different classes and categories. Eyeing interstate travellers, eight sleeper AC buses would be purchased with Rs 10.4crore. KSRTC would be using these vehicles for services between Thiruvananthapuram and Bangalore. Presently, KSRTC doesn’t have own buses on the route. More sleeper buses would be purchased if the services prove to be profitable.
Saseendran said 20 premium AC buses would be also purchased with Rs 10.8crore. These buses can also be pressed into interstate service targeting middle class travellers. The corporation also has plans to purchase 72 conventional air suspension buses with Rs 28.8crore, said the minister. Vehicles in this category would be used for express services. More luggage space, GPS tracking system and mobile charging facilities would be ensured in the new buses.
Social distancing would be followed in sleeper buses. While Rs 50 crore allocated to KSRTC from the plan fund would be used for this set of purchase, the board had earlier announced its decision to purchase 50 electric buses and 310 CNG buses using KIIFB funding. It has plans to convert 400 conventional buses into CNG engines.
VSSC hires KSRTC’s Scania buses
As part of state RTC’s efforts to enhance non-ticket revenues, it would rent out four Scania buses to VSSC for taking their staff to Sreeharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
VSSC has availed the service of four buses in connection with the launch of satellite PSLVC 49 from Sreeharikota on November 7. KSRTC authorities said the multi-axle buses can be booked by private companies or individuals, including for marriage trips.