Better buses, smarter routes, higher revenue: KSRTC turns to IIM Kozhikode for expertise

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has begun steps towards a long-term collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM Kozhikode) to improve operational efficiency and the quality of passenger services.

The proposed memorandum of understanding (MoU) will seek to use IIM Kozhikode’s management expertise in areas including staff training, service planning, revenue generation, passenger services and the use of technology.

An initial discussion on the proposed collaboration was held in Kozhikode on September 5, led by the Transport Minister, the IIM Kozhikode director and the KSRTC CMD.

Following the meeting, KSRTC handed over a draft MoU to the IIM Kozhikode director. The institute has said it will examine the draft and take further steps at the earliest.

Management training and leadership development are expected to be key components of the proposed collaboration.

Officials from the technical, operating, accounts, personnel and IT departments will receive training. The partnership will also provide expert studies and support in areas such as service schedule planning, depot-level operational efficiency, punctuality, route rationalisation, cost control and opportunities for non-ticket revenue.

Training for frontline staff

The proposed programme will also focus on employees who interact directly with passengers, including drivers, conductors, station masters and enquiry and reservation staff.

Training will cover passenger communication, courtesy and safety awareness. It will also focus on improving services for women, senior citizens, children and persons with disabilities.

Passenger feedback surveys, service branding and the expansion of online services are also part of the proposed cooperation.

KSRTC and IIM Kozhikode are also looking at the use of data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to develop dashboards and other systems that can support decision-making.

Studies on new opportunities

The proposed collaboration will include studies on how KSRTC can make use of new logistics opportunities emerging from development projects such as the Vizhinjam port and National Highway 66.

Joint research in the public transport sector is also proposed. IIM Kozhikode students may undertake internships and projects with KSRTC, while KSRTC officials could participate in programmes and activities hosted by the institute.

IIM Kozhikode has submitted a proposal covering details such as the structure of training sessions, faculty, training fees, accommodation and study materials.

The KSRTC CMD said the collaboration could provide further support for projects including fleet modernisation, KSRTC-SWIFT operations, depot modernisation and expansion in the logistics sector.

The Transport Minister said the proposed cooperation would be an important step towards strengthening operational efficiency, the use of technology, revenue generation, passenger service standards and the management capabilities of employees at the same time.