KSRTC goes smart! New buses with Wi-Fi, digital systems, AC & more | WATCH
Thiruvananthapuram: After a wait of six years, new buses have finally joined the KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) fleet. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan flagged off a range of services, from luxury sleeper coaches to mini ordinary buses.
“A new chapter is opening for the KSRTC. These buses are among the most advanced and passenger-friendly in the country. This journey will be an auspicious one,” the Chief Minister said during the launch.
A total of 143 buses are being introduced, including AC sleepers, AC seater-cum-sleeper coaches, AC seaters, premium superfast services, fast passenger buses, inter-district fast passenger link services, and minibuses.
Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar, who presided over the function, noted that KSRTC was entering its most modern phase in history. “From smaller buses to serve rural areas to sleeper coaches connecting major cities, the corporation is transforming rapidly. Even buses operating in villages will now be equipped with Wi-Fi facilities. Additionally, the entire organisation is transitioning towards full computerisation,” he said.
An allocation of ₹130 crore has been allotted for the new fleet. After the 2018 purchase of 100 diesel buses for KSRTC, it is only now that new buses have been acquired. During the tenure of the second Pinarayi government, 434 buses were also acquired, though they were allotted to KSRTC’s subsidiary, Swift.
Along with the new fleet, KSRTC also launched digitalisation initiatives, including a comprehensive digitisation programme, student travel cards, a barcode-based inventory system, and a digital cloakroom facility.
The new bus designs were created by Minister Ganesh Kumar's son, Adithyakrishnan and his friend Amal. The Chief Minister congratulated both of them
Councillor D G Kumaran, Chairman and Managing Director of KSRTC, PS Pramoj Shankar, and senior officials from the Transport Department and the corporation attended the event.
Transpo 2025 to commence today
Transpo 2025, the automobile exhibition jointly organised by KSRTC and the Motor Vehicles Department, begins on August 22nd at Kanakakunnu. The exhibition will be inaugurated by Minister K N Balagopal.
The event will open with a publicity rally from Kowdiar to Kanakakunnu at 8.30 a.m. The exhibition will be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily until the 24th of this month
Visitors will get the opportunity to explore new models of cars, bikes, buses, and trucks, as well as upcoming transportation technologies. The exhibition will also feature a special photo gallery highlighting the history of KSRTC.