Priyadarshini scheme row: Kerala govt permits private bus operators to tap advertisement revenue

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has decided to allow advertisements on private buses, opening up an additional source of income for operators. Transport Minister C.P. John announced the decision and said the government would implement its transport policy to address issues raised by private bus owners.

The minister said private buses will now be permitted to display advertisements both inside and outside the vehicles. He added that private bus operators have welcomed the decision, which is expected to help them earn revenue apart from ticket collections.

The decision comes in the wake of concerns raised by private bus operators over the impact of the Priyadarshini free travel scheme introduced by the state-run KSRTC. According to the minister, allowing advertisements is intended to provide operators with an alternative source of income.

Referring to the Priyadarshini scheme, the minister said it is a government policy and that the issues faced by investors and operators following its implementation are being examined in detail. A committee headed by B. Padmakumar as chairman and Dr. Sridevi as vice-chairperson has been constituted to study the impact of the scheme and identify the sectors affected. The committee has been asked to submit its report within 45 days.

The transport minister had earlier advised private bus operators to explore non-ticket sources of revenue to offset losses following the implementation of the free travel scheme. The latest decision provides them with a means to generate such income.

Advertisements have already been permitted on KSRTC buses. However, permission to display advertisements on the exterior of private buses has been granted only now.