KSRTC will expand its services, says Keralam Transport Minister C.P. John

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will expand its services and infrastructure with public participation, Transport Minister C.P. John has said.

After visiting the Koyilandy Joint Regional Transport Office (RTO) on Thursday (October 22, 2026), he said the government would take steps to construct a modern model office building if suitable land was identified and provided for the purpose, with the support of local self-government institutions.

He also directed officials to submit a proposal in this regard. Koyilandy MLA K. Praveen Kumar accompanied the Minister.

Mr. John said the government was implementing schemes to make the KSRTC more affordable, financially viable, and people-friendly. He pointed out that its policy was to reduce capital expenditure and manage operational costs efficiently. New buses were being made available for services with the support of local bodies, MLAs, cooperative institutions and individuals, he explained.

According to the Minister, transport management committees comprising the mayor or municipal chairperson or panchayat president and the local ward member would be formed to ensure the participation of local bodies in the functioning of KSRTC depots and services.

100 buses refurbished

The Minister pointed out that around 100 KSRTC buses had been fully refurbished, including the replacement or renewal of seat covers, engines and gearboxes, and made ready for the upcoming Sabarimala pilgrimage season.

He promised that chartered bus services would also be arranged for pilgrims. Under the facility, buses could be brought to devotees’ homes or temples instead of requiring them to travel to bus stations, provided the fare was paid in advance, he said.

According to Mr. John, a State-wide Kerala Road Safety Mission campaign would begin on November 15, with a committee chaired by the Transport Minister and comprising eight other ministers leading the initiative.

The proposal to increase KSRTC services from Koyilandy to various destinations through Ulliyeri, Balussery, and Payyoli was under active consideration following requests from the MLA and the municipality, he said adding that services to Bengaluru and major pilgrimage centres, including Guruvayur and Mookambika, would also be introduced based on demand.

Koyilandy municipal chairperson U.K. Chandran, Regional Transport Officer (Enforcement) Jeby Cherian, Koyilandy Joint RTO M.K. Prajeesh, Vadakara Joint RTO P. Sajeesh, and Perambra Joint RTO T. Prajeesh were present during the Minister’s visit.