Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Transport Minister KB Ganesh Kumar has reaffirmed that the long-awaited Business Class service of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will be launched within the next two months.

The minister reiterated the timeline during a press briefing where he announced that KSRTC had recorded its highest-ever daily revenue.

Ganesh Kumar added that the new service would commence immediately upon the arrival of the buses, regardless of whether election dates are announced.

Premium Volvo buses to lead the rollout

KSRTC will initially deploy two Volvo buses as part of the new Business Class fleet. Although the service was originally planned between Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur, officials confirmed that the first phase will run only up to Ernakulam due to ongoing highway construction work.

The minister clarified that the buses will make limited stops: if the Thiruvananthapuram boarding is full, Ernakulam will be the sole halt. Otherwise, one stop each will be permitted at Kollam and Alappuzha.

High-end features aimed at transforming public travel

The Business Class coaches, built on Volvo platforms, will feature 35 seats and amenities not previously available on KSRTC services. Each seat will be equipped with a personal entertainment screen, headphones, charging ports and Wi-Fi. Additional comforts include tea, light refreshments, an onboard toilet and a small pantry.

Ganesh Kumar said the service is designed to operate with a “one stop per district” model. A dedicated “bus hostess” will also be assigned to assist passengers throughout the journey.

Project announced in late 2025

The Business Class initiative was first introduced by the minister in late 2025 as part of a broader push to modernise Kerala’s public transport network. He had described the project as the beginning of a significant shift in the State’s travel experience.

According to him, the upgraded service–once supported by completed National Highway development–could eventually reduce travel time between Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi to around three and a half to four hours.

World-class standards promised 

Ganesh Kumar has repeatedly emphasised that the new fleet will offer comfort levels comparable to international airlines, citing Emirates’ Business Class as a benchmark. The seats, he said, will be imported to ensure global standards in design and quality.