Thiruvananthapuram: In a bid to expand the business, KSRTC has initiated ‘gramavandi’ (village bus) into the village routes in Kerala. Local self-government minister MV Govindan inaugurated the first bus in the Kollayil grama panchayat in Thiruvananthapuram. Transport minister Antony Rajy flagged off the first trip.
The local bodies can demand ‘gramavandi’ from the KSRTC. They can also recommend the routes and timings. The government wants to take ‘gramavandi’ to all the local routes in Kerala, said Govindan.
However, the local self-governments have to find sponsors for the fuel expenses. Besides, they have to ensure the stay of employees working on the bus and also the safety of the bus. Panchayats, private organisations, individuals, clubs or committees can sponsor buses. Such sponsors can carry their advertisements on the bus.
In the second phase, the KSRTC will sign a pact with private bus operators to run the service, said Antony Raju.
The ‘gramavandi’ is set to roll-out in Edavanna in Malappuram, Edavally in Thrissur, Pathiyoor in Alappuzha in August.
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