Thiruvananthapuram: Electric buses have resumed operation on the city’s side roads, with the first service flagged off by Mayor V V Rajesh from Kulasekharam in Kodunganoor ward. The mayor, along with other councillors, travelled on the inaugural run.

The electric bus routes include Kulasekharam–Kodunganoor–Thittamangalam–Kundamankadav–Kuruvikkad, with services running on some existing routes and new routes suggested by councillors. Currently, two buses are in operation, with another service connecting Plavodu–Vattiyoorkavu–Shastamangalam –Kizhakke Kotta (East Fort).

Initially, the service connected Valiyavila, Thirumala, Kodunganoor and Vattiyoorkavu wards. Services for Alathara–Valiyathura wards are set to start the following day. In the first phase, 23 routes proposed by councillors were scheduled, but minor adjustments are expected after further consultation with council members.

The Thiruvananthapuram Corporation acquired electric buses from KSRTC under the Smart City project to operate circular services on side roads. However, the initiative was halted when K B Ganesh Kumar became a minister. Following the BJP-led governing body’s assumption of office, a key demand was the reinstatement of electric buses on interstate routes.

After discussions between the mayor and the minister, it was decided that services would operate on routes determined by councillors, marking a renewed push for sustainable urban transport in the city.