Date:08/06/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/06/08/stories/2005060811370400.htm

Kerala

KSRTC to add 600 more buses to its fleet

Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The KSRTC will add 600 more buses to its fleet including 25 air-conditioned buses, 100 super fast buses and 100 limited stop ordinary buses this year, Transport Minister N. Sakthan said here on Tuesday.

Addressing a press conference, the Minister said that the new batch of buses would not have the defects noticed in the design of earlier ones purchased for running super fast services.

Mr. Sakthan said the KSRTC had managed to reduce its monthly losses from nearly Rs.14 crores to about Rs.8 crores. Daily collections had touched Rs.2.30 crores from Rs.1.70 crores.

He said that the training given to drivers to save fuel had resulted in better mileage. Training was being given to staff in dealing with the public in a courteous manner.

The Minister said that all the wooden boats operated by the Kerala State Water Transport Department would be replaced with modern steel and fibre boats to ensure passenger safety.

He said that the Inland Navigation Corporation had sought clearance from the Centre for providing shipping services to the Gulf countries. It would be buying new barges for goods transport. A coastal barge was proposed to be constructed for carrying petroleum products to the Lakhsadweep.

Mr. Sakthan denied allegations relating to the purchase of buses made by the KSRTC and confirmation of officials on deputation at the Kerala Transport Development Finance Corporation before he became the Minister.