Priyadarshini impact: expert panel recommends ‘industry status’ to private bus sector in Keralam

The expert committee constituted by the Keralam government to study the issues faced by private bus operators following the introduction of the Priyadarshini free ride scheme for women on the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation’s (KSRTC) Ordinary buses has recommended that the State government accord industry status to the private bus sector.

By recognising the sector as an industry under the MSME category, private bus operators will be able to access bank loans, technical and financial assistance for modernisation of fleet, and other financial benefits.

The committee, headed by former Transport Commissioner and retired IPS officer K. Padmakumar, submitted its report to Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Wednesday, recommending several measures to address the concerns of private bus operators.

The committee recommended that the State operate private buses on a wet-lease basis on select routes at fixed rates determined by the KSRTC. Under the arrangement, the buses would be owned by private bus owners, while conductors could be appointed by the KSRTC, Mr. Padmakumar said.

Transport Minister C.P. John, who addressed the media in the evening, said some private bus owners had expressed willingness to lease their buses to the State. The State government is ready to operate buses from private operators at a rate determined by the KSRTC on a per-kilometre basis. The services could be arranged at a ratio of one private bus for every two KSRTC Priyadarshini buses, the Minister said.

The committee also recommended that private bus owners be provided with an option to pay vehicle tax on a monthly basis, without changing the existing tax structure, instead of being required to make quarterly payments.

It further recommended amending Rule 260A of the Kerala Motor Vehicle Rules to increase the service life of buses from 22 to 25 years, subject to proper maintenance and compliance with safety standards.

The report also proposes providing fuel to private buses at dealer rates from KSRTC-owned Yatra fuel pumps, wherever feasible. It recommends simplifying the procedures for issuing special permits during holidays and making them available online without delay.

Advertisements should be permitted on stage carriers in a manner that does not compromise the safety of passengers or vehicles. Instead of charging a separate fee for each advertisement, the report suggests considering a modest annual fee as a one-time payment.

The government should also examine the possibility of providing insurance coverage to private buses through the State Insurance department, the report said. Steps should be taken to resolve disputes over the timings of Priyadarshini services and to avoid route overlaps. Mr. Padmakumar stressed the need to establish coordination committees at the regional and State levels for this purpose.

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The committee also highlighted the need to formulate a comprehensive transport policy for the public transport sector in the State. In addition, the report recommends the phased introduction of an IT-based mobility card that can eventually be used across all public transport systems.

“Most of the recommendations in the report are in favour of the private bus sector. The government will do everything possible to implement them, although some recommendations cannot be implemented by the State government alone,” Mr. John said.