Thiruvananthapuram: In rural areas where there is no bus service, KSRTC arrives by village train. Gramavandi special services will be started in collaboration with the Local Self Government Department.
Due to the current financial crisis, KSRTC alone will not be able to expand its services to isolated areas due to additional liabilities. In this case, the Gramavandi scheme will come into effect on the condition that the diesel cost for the journey should be borne entirely by the local bodies.
The total cost of running a 150 km bus is estimated at Rs 9,251. Of this, Rs 3,375 is for diesel. The diesel cost of a village train plying through multiple panchayats can be shared. Local bodies should ensure parking of vehicles, accommodation, and security of employees.
KSRTC is launching the Gramavandi service in view of the growing demand for bus services to isolated rural areas. The service will be feeder service and end-to-end service. Ordinary bus fares are applicable.
The service can also be connected to schools, hospitals, social welfare institutions, anganwadis and markets. To ensure smooth running, the Transportation Management Committee will be constituted under the chairmanship of the local body and evaluate the activities. KSRTC hopes to launch village trains by next April.
