KSRTC electric bus tyres wearing out early due to problems with retreading

Kollam, Kerala: The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is facing a major issue with tyres of electric buses getting damaged in large numbers. The problem is linked to a mistake in the tyre retreading process. Tyres of electric buses operating in Thiruvananthapuram are showing considerable wear and tear before reaching even 5,000 kilometers, well below the expected lifespan of up to 60,000 kilometers.

Typically, a new tyre lasts for 30,000 kilometers, and a properly retreaded tyre should last up to 60,000 kilometers. However, KSRTC electric buses are experiencing tyre failures much earlier, leading to frequent service disruptions. The tyres are being retreaded at the KSRTC central workshop in Pappanamcode, Thiruvananthapuram, but it is suspected that issues in purchasing materials for the retreading process, as well as possible technical faults and lack of experience in retreading, may be contributing to the damage.

KSRTC electric bus fleet

KSRTC currently operates 140 electric buses in Thiruvananthapuram city. Of these, 100 buses were provided by the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation through the central 'Smart City' project, while 40 buses were purchased by KSRTC Swift. The buses provided by the Corporation operate from depots in Thiruvananthapuram City, Vikas Bhavan, Peroorkada, and Pappanamcode, while the buses purchased by KSRTC are deployed at the Attingal, Vizhinjam, Kattakkada, and Neyyattinkara depots.