Published Oct 16, 2026 | 4:30 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 16, 2026 | 5:06 PM
Following the implementation of the Priyadarshini scheme, KSRTC has witnessed a surge in female ridership from around 10 lakh to nearly 15 lakh.
Private bus operators across Keralam have threatened an indefinite strike from 3 November, alleging that the KSRTC’s ‘Priyadarshini’ free bus service for women has severely affected the private bus sector.
At a meeting in Ernakulam, the Joint Action Committee said the government had failed to act on the report submitted by a commission appointed to study the difficulties faced by private bus operators following the launch of the Priyadarshini service on June 15.
Although the report was submitted a month and a half ago, the government has yet to hold discussions on its recommendations, the committee alleged.
The committee also expressed concern over plans to introduce more free bus services under the KSRTC banner, with buses reportedly being arranged through contributions from wealthy individuals, cooperative societies and the asset development funds of MLAs.
It urged the government to take urgent measures to protect the existing private bus network.
The operators have demanded that women be allowed free travel on private buses as well, with the government reimbursing operators for the fares.
They have also sought a revision of student concession fares, unchanged for 15 years, in accordance with the Ramachandran Commission report, and an increase in general bus fares, last revised four-and-a-half years ago.
Other demands include exemption from taxes levied on diesel, withdrawal of the Transport Commissioner’s directive to conduct timing conferences online, abolition of automatic testing stations and restriction of Gramavandis to routes not served by private buses.
The committee has also called for the implementation of recommendations made by the Padmakumar Commission, including an increase in the permissible age limit of buses, government-provided insurance coverage and official recognition of the private bus sector as an industry.
The joint committee resolved to launch an indefinite statewide strike from November 3 if the government fails to take urgent decisions on the demands.
The government will take steps to ensure the survival of the private bus sector and will not leave bus operators in the lurch, Transport Minister CP John told the Assembly.
Replying to a calling-attention motion moved by N.K. Akbar, the Minister said the crisis in the private bus sector had begun during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the number of buses in Keralam fell from 19,000 to 13,000.
Taxation was a major concern at the time, and the present government had addressed it by reducing the tax burden by 50 per cent.
The Minister said the Priyadarshini free travel scheme for women was only one of the factors affecting private bus operations and should not be seen as the sole cause of the crisis.
Private buses were facing difficulties mainly in areas where KSRTC already had an extensive service network, while operators in other areas were not experiencing similar problems. The Padmakumar Commission, which visited all districts to study the challenges faced by private bus operators, has submitted a report suggesting solutions.
The government expects the implementation of its recommendations to help address the sector’s difficulties.
John said KSRTC was ready to hire and operate private buses on a wet-lease basis, paying operators a fixed rate per kilometre.
Responding to concerns over delays in payments by KSRTC, he said there was no need for apprehension.
Stressing the need to avoid destructive competition, the Minister said Keralam’s public transport system could be strengthened and sustained only by ensuring the participation of both KSRTC and private bus operators.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
