Thiruvananthapuram: Permits of long-distance private buses in the state may not be renewed from March 1. Earlier, the Transport Department had decided not to renew the temporary permits of private buses on routes with a length of more than 140 km. But private bus owners’ associations are pressuring the government to withdraw this decision.
Private bus owners say that if the decision is implemented, the traffic problem in the state will worsen. Especially in North Kerala, more passengers rely on long-distance private buses. KSRTC operates takeover services on over 140 km long private bus routes. But passengers say that this is not efficient.
In 2014, according to the High Court order, the government took the decision not to issue permits to private buses to run services above 140 km. The Kerala Motor Vehicle Rules do not permit the granting of permits to private buses above 140 km in the state.
Considering the delay in issuance of the final notification regarding route nationalization and inconvenience to passengers, temporary permits were granted for four months to private buses with a length of more than 140 km. It will end on February 28, 2023. Due to this, long-distance private buses have to be suspended from March 1.
The decision will adversely affect around 200 buses in the state. Most of these are buses operating in the Malabar region. Also, long-distance buses plying to Kottayam and Ernakulam from various areas of Idukki district will have to stop.
Also See- The private bus sector in the state is in crisis
Various private bus owners’ organizations have been pressing the government to renew the temporary permit. It is reported that the representatives of some organizations met Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and raised this demand. Private bus owners are waiting to see what decision the government will take in this regard.
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