Thiruvananthapuram: Transport Minister Antony Raju told the assembly that 100 new buses purchased by KSRTC will be available in December. About 100 buses will be available in December, including eight Volva AC sleeper buses and 20 AC buses. 310 CNG buses and 50 electric buses will be procured as part of the promotion of eco-friendly fuel. The Minister said that steps are being taken to convert the existing diesel engines to CNG.
The minister said that KSRTC bus routes are being sanctioned not only based on profit. As a public sector undertaking, KSRTC determines bus routes taking into account its social commitment. But routes that consistently cause huge losses cannot be continued. Services that have been assessed separately for each route and continue to suffer huge losses can no longer continue. However, the minister said the service should continue in the name of social commitment, including in tribal areas.
The government has a sympathetic attitude towards employees and pensioners. The government is trying to help the M panel employees as per the High Court verdict. KSRTC intends to give preference to more profitable CNG buses. The contract is being canceled as the rental of electric buses was at a loss, the minister said.
