TVM Mayor VV Rajesh opposes KSRTC move, demands city e-buses return to capital

Thiruvananthapuram: With the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) assuming control of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, discussions have resumed over the electric buses procured by the civic body for Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). The new administration has taken a firm stand against the operation of buses meant for city services being run beyond municipal limits.

Mayor VV Rajesh told the media that strong steps would be taken soon to ensure the return of the electric buses to city routes. He said the one-sided decision by KSRTC to move away from its understanding with the Corporation was unacceptable.

The City Circular electric bus service was launched to improve urban transport and support the vision of a green city initiative. These e-buses, purchased with Corporation support under the Centre’s Smart City project, were later redeployed by KSRTC without consultation.

The City Circular service was designed to connect offices, hospitals, tourist centres and areas that lacked proper public transport. The service began with a fare of ₹10 and quickly gained public acceptance. A total of 113 electric buses were introduced under the scheme. An agreement was reached with KSRTC that these buses would operate only within city limits.

However, as part of KSRTC reforms introduced by Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar, the buses were shifted to routes outside the city, violating the agreement.

The City Circular routes were prepared through scientific assessment of the city’s transport needs. Despite this, the buses are now operating in areas such as Nedumangad and Attingal, which lie outside the Corporation area. Smaller electric buses are considered suitable for the capital’s narrow roads.

Once services were shifted outside the city, the branding was changed and fares were raised. KSRTC reintroduced the electric buses under the name ‘City Fast’, which led to higher ticket prices.

Since electric buses have lower operating costs, fares could have been kept lower. With the removal of city services from several routes, elderly commuters who depended on these buses have been affected the most. Although the previous Corporation administration opposed the move, it failed to bring about any meaningful change.