Keralam CM hails KSRTC driver’s dedication after emotional farewell, vows to enhance stature of public transport

Keralam Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Friday (September 4, 2026) praised the dedication of a KSRTC driver following an emotional farewell on his day of superannuation, and said the true backbone of public transport “is the tireless commitment and pride of thousands of workers like him”.

Sharing a video posted by The Hindu on the social media platform X, the Chief Minister highlighted the driver’s devotion to duty, adding the government is steadfast in its commitment to protect and enhance the stature of Kerala State Transport Corporation (KSRTC), which has in the past grabbed the headlines more for its shortcomings.

#Watch | A Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) driver bid an emotional farewell to his bus after completing his final trip ahead of retirement. Paul Kurian, a driver attached to the KSRTC Kumily depot in Idukki, completed his last duty on September 2.

After parking… pic.twitter.com/iVsB1TIedK “Deeply touched by the moving farewell of Sri Paul Kurian, who bowed in reverence to the bus he steered for years with utmost devotion. It is the tireless commitment and pride of thousands of workers like him that form the true backbone of our public transport.

The government remains steadfast in its resolve to modernize, protect, and enhance the stature of KSRTC as the lifeline of Keralam,” Mr. Satheesan wrote. Paul Kurian, a resident of Kumily in Idukki, was attached to the KSRTC Kumily depot and served for more than 18 years in the State-run corporation across the Kumily and Kattappana depots.

September 2 marked his final day on duty. After completing his last scheduled run, an emotional Kurian kissed the steering wheel and bowed to the vehicle in farewell. The touching video quickly gained widespread traction on social media, drawing praise for his dedication to his profession.

Speaking about his farewell, Mr. Kurian shared that his years with the KSRTC and the vehicle had forged a deep emotional bond, calling the service an inseparable part of his life.