Thiruvananthapuram: Ahead of his swearing-in- ceremony as new Transport Minister, K.B Ganesh Kumar MLA shared his plans to revamp the public transport system in the state. He added that his plans require the support of the Chief Ministers and other cabinet ministers. 

“LDF government wants to implement some projects that will change the face of public transport in the state...I am not saying I will create miracles,” he said while addressing the media. 

Congress (S) president and Kannur MLA Ramachandran Kadannappally will also be sworn in with Ganesh Kumar as cabinet minister in the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government. The ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. at the Raj Bhavan today.

When the second LDF government came to power in the state in May 2021, partners in the CPM-led alliance had reached an understanding to allocate cabinet berths to four single-MLA parties on a "sharing the term" basis. As per this, Ganesh Kumar and Kadannappally will fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Transport Minister Antony Raju and Ports Minister Ahamed Devarkovil.

“Although the KSRTC is in crisis, I hope to transform it to some extent. Furthermore, it is necessary to establish discipline and plug all 'leaks'. The expenses must brought under control, and we should employ revenue-generating strategies,” he said. 

“The only sources of financial support for the state now are from the lottery, beverages and the motor vehicle department. The centre is ignoring the state and also placing restrictions on borrowings. I have some ideas to increase revenue without the burden on the public. A project to run bus services on all the rural routes is in my plan. If approved by the Chief Minister, this project will script new history," he said. 

"If we can convince the employees that their hard-earned money is not being squandered, they will cooperate. Financial embezzlement and theft will not be permitted. If everyone works together, we might be able to save the department,” Ganesh stated.