2,000 KSRTC buses older than 15 years still on roads in Kerala; higher risk of accidents

Pathanamthitta: Around 2,000 KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) buses that are more than 15 years old are still operating on roads across Kerala. The number of ageing buses is expected to rise further by the end of May. Under Central Motor Vehicles rules, vehicles older than 15 years should not be allowed to operate and their fitness certificates should not be renewed. The 2021 Central Vehicle Scrappage Policy also recommends scrapping vehicles older than 15 years.

The Kerala Motor Vehicles Act states that operating a vehicle without fitness certification can attract fines ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 and even imprisonment of up to three months. The Centre recommends replacing buses older than 15 years because critical components such as the chassis, brakes and suspension lose strength over time. These buses are also more prone to brake failure, tyre bursts and fire accidents.

If such a bus meets with accident, passengers and their families may not receive compensation. Insurance companies are unlikely to honour claims for vehicles without valid fitness certificates, leaving the liability entirely with the government. However, Central rules allow public sector transport corporations to operate vehicles even without insurance, provided they maintain a reserve fund for compensation payments.

Old buses continue with state approval

The Kerala government has granted special permission to KSRTC to operate buses older than 15 years. It is under this approval that these ageing buses continue service across the state. Such buses are reportedly operating from KSRTC depots throughout Kerala. Since they have state approval, special fitness certificates are also being issued to them.