Super to 'Cool': KSRTC to convert old superfast vehicles into AC buses

Thiruvananthapuram: Inspired by a private bus on the Kasaragod-Bantadukka route that installed air conditioning at a cost of ₹6 lakh, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is exploring the possibility of converting its old superfast buses into air-conditioned ones. The growing acceptance of AC premium buses has further prompted this initiative. 

Technical experts have been appointed to study the feasibility, with Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar directing them to submit a report at the earliest.

As a trial, one or two buses may have air conditioning installed by private companies. If successful, KSRTC will establish its own system for such conversions. This is expected to reduce the cost of conversion to ₹4 lakh per bus.

Currently, the AC compressor draws power from the engine, which impacts fuel efficiency. However, the private company has developed an alternative mechanism where a dynamo generates electricity to charge a battery, which powers the AC system.