Kochi will get its share of e-buses for intra-district use from KSRTC in two months time

Transport Minister Antony Raju stated here on Tuesday that Kochi will receive its fair share of e-buses (for intra-district usage) from the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) in two months. After a high-level conference held here to tackle the suspected unlawful activities of contract carrying buses by "misinterpreting" the Center's new national permit requirements, he was speaking to the media.

The 53 e-buses for which KSRTC has placed orders are expected to make up the fleet of e-buses serving Kochi. This will be in addition to the 133 luxury buses and other vehicles totaling 25 crore that are planned for pan-Kerala service.

KSRTC's introduction of e-buses in Thiruvananthapuram earlier this year gave the organisation a new look. The projected e-buses might link Kochi city with other suburban communities in addition to circular routes.

According to KSRTC insiders, a preliminary list of the routes where e-buses will run in this area had been prepared more than a month ago. The ticket prices will be very affordable. The outside colours of the buses will soon be decided. The KSRTC, Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), and Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML) were to provide the funding for the bus purchase.