Kollam (Kerala): To manage the heavy passenger rush during upcoming festive seasons, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is set to wet-lease AC buses. A total of 68 buses will be rented for a six-month duration. These rented vehicles will operate strictly based on passenger demand during major peak periods, including Onam, the Sabarimala pilgrimage season, and the Christmas–New Year celebrations.

Fleet specifications and operational terms

The corporation plans to hire two variants of buses: standard vehicles with 40 to 50 seats, and hybrid layout buses featuring 27 seats alongside 15 berths. These buses will operate both within and outside Kerala, originating from key KSRTC depots, operating centres, and other high-demand locations.

The terms of the lease mandate strict operational guidelines.

  • Branding and maintenance: The buses will display official KSRTC logos alongside passenger information announcements. Vehicle owners are fully responsible for all repair and maintenance work. However, KSRTC will provide washing facilities across its depots.
  • Vehicle eligibility: Only legally compliant buses that are under five years old will be inducted into the fleet.
  • Linen services: For sleeper variants, bedsheets and pillows must be supplied directly by the bus owners.

Staffing and financial concerns

KSRTC is considering deploying its own conductors on these buses or introducing automated fare collection systems. The corporation states that the rental strategy is designed to offer maximum convenience to commuters without placing any direct financial burden on the organisation, especially given its current inability to purchase new buses.

However, the proposal has faced internal skepticism. A similar initiative undertaken during A K Saseendran’s tenure as Transport Minister, when KSRTC wet-leased Scania buses, failed to deliver the expected operational gains or revenue targets. Consequently, opinions remain divided among top corporation officials regarding the viability of hiring private buses once again.