Thiruvananthapuram: The Nava Kerala bus, once advertised as a symbol of efficient travel for the Chief Minister and other Ministers during their tour for ‘Nava Kerala Sadas’, is now in disuse at the Pappanamcode Central Works, sparking controversy.

Originally intended for sightseeing, the bus now sits idle, a stark contrast to the grand expectations pinned upon it just a month ago. Left leaders had projected its value to soar with the Ministers’ journey.

The procurement of a new Bharat Benz bus, at a staggering cost of Rs 1.15 crore, for the ‘Nava Kerala Yatra’, added fuel to the fire of controversy surrounding the Nava Kerala bus.

Following its last tour, the Nava Kerala bus was dispatched to the Prakash Coach Factory in Bengaluru in January for renovation, aimed at meeting the tourism needs of the KSRTC. However, with a change in transport minister, interest in the bus waned, leading to a bureaucratic impasse. Attempts by the company to engage KSRTC officials for progress assessment were impeded by higher authorities' disapproval, leaving the bus stranded in Bengaluru for three months until a complaint prompted its return.

A lavish seat worth Rs 50,000, initially installed for the Chief Minister, has been removed, reserved for future VIP use. The bus inadequate luggage space necessitated seat rearrangements, while its original colour and graphics remain unchanged, despite demands from the company for an additional Rs 1.5 lakhs.

Originally aimed to be handed over to KSRTC's budget tourism wing, known for its economical travel options, the Nava Kerala bus remains idle, despite the high demand for air-conditioned buses during the summer season. It is alleged that its disuse stems from lack of interest at the higher levels.