Thiruvananthapuram: mParivahan of Motor Vehicle Department has raised concerns regarding the fitness and insurance of the newly refurbished Royal View Double Decker bus of KSRTC in Munnar, which was flagged off by Transport Minister KB Ganesh Kumar on Tuesday. 

The bus, which has been in operation for 13 years, has undergone renovations but is reportedly lacking proper fitness certification and insurance coverage. There are also worries about its suitability for hilly routes, particularly in Munnar.

Opposition members have criticised the bus service, pointing out that the bus had been out of service for seven months for repairs and renovations. They also claim that the design of the double-decker bus is not ideal for the winding, uphill roads of Munnar. Additionally, there were no consultations with labor unions regarding the renovation and use of the bus.

On Tuesday, the KSRTC Royal View Double Decker Bus service was officially launched by Transport Minister KB Ganesh Kumar as a New Year gift to the people of Kerala. The minister expressed his hopes that the bus service would be profitable in Munnar, just as it has been in Thiruvananthapuram. The bus, designed to offer panoramic views to passengers, can accommodate up to 50 people in total and includes amenities like drinking water and coffee vending machines. The bus was renovated at the KSRTC workshop in Pavangad depot, with the minister honoring the employees who contributed to its construction during the ceremony.