Thiruvananthapuram: Amid union government’s decision to scrap vehicles older than 15 years, Kerala government has extended the life of private buses to 22 years. The relaxation was given by transport minister Antony Raju after considering the request by private bus owners in this regard.

Vehicles under categories Bharat Stage Emission Standards BS II and BS III have been granted relaxation following the intervention of the minister. However, the move has raised concern over whether it could impact transport safety measures. 

Kerala was the first state to limit the shelf life of buses to 15 years. Although bus owners had moved the Supreme Court against the move, the state government stood by its decision considering the safety of passengers. Subsequently, the apex court also upheld the government’s decision. 

Later, the union government decided to de-register and scrap all vehicles older than 15 years. However, the Kerala government then raised the limit to 20 years and now to 22 years, considering the requests of private bus owners.