Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal, while presenting the State Budget, detailed the government’s support for the modernisation of KSRTC. During his budget speech, he outlined the assistance provided by the Kerala government for KSRTC’s renewal between 2021 and 2026.

From 2021 to 2026, a total of 662 new buses were purchased under the scheme, including 134 for KSRTC and 528 for Swift. To replace ageing buses with new BS6 vehicles, the government has increased its allocation to ₹127 crore, the Finance Minister announced.

The support aims to attract more passengers and reduce KSRTC’s monthly operational losses. To further improve services, modern buses will be added and ₹45.72 crore has been allocated for upgrading workshops and depots, the Minister said.

In addition, ₹12 crore has been earmarked for software and hardware upgrades as part of integrating KSRTC into the e-governance platform. Renovation work is underway at KSRTC depots in Malappuram, Thrissur, Idukki, Ernakulam, Changanassery, Kottarakkara, Kayamkulam, Chengannur and Attingal, Balagopal added.