Minister KB Ganesh Kumar Targets Ticket Fraud in Priyadarshini Bus Scheme
Transport Minister KB Ganesh Kumar announced strict penalties for KSRTC staff who permit men to travel free on Priyadarshini buses. The state plans to supplement its aging fleet with private rentals and expand RTO operating hours.
Enforcement of Gender-Specific Travel Concessions
State Transport Minister KB Ganesh Kumar has issued a directive to end the unauthorized issuance of free tickets to male passengers on Priyadarshini buses. During a press briefing at the Payambalam Guest House in Kannur on July 26, 2026, the Minister made it clear that employees found violating the program's charter will face immediate disciplinary consequences. Recent reports from Thampanoor in Thiruvananthapuram and other regions indicated that the scheme, originally designed as a welfare measure for women, was being misapplied.
The Priyadarshini initiative is a government-led empowerment program rather than a standard commercial offering from the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). The Minister confirmed that strict adherence to these rules is mandatory to maintain the integrity of the state-funded project.
Fleet Shortages and Private Sector Coordination
Facing a lack of new vehicle acquisitions for over a decade, the KSRTC is struggling with an aging fleet that often fails to meet surge demands. To bridge this gap, the government has finalized a strategy to rent private buses during major festival seasons. Key logistical updates include:
- A formal request for private bus owners to collaborate with the state during peak travel windows.
- Recognition that the current state-owned fleet has largely reached the end of its operational lifespan.
- A commitment to maintain service frequency despite the lack of recent capital investment in new buses.
Expansion of Public Access to RTO Services
The Ministry is also implementing structural changes to how Regional Transport Offices (RTO) interact with the public. Addressing complaints about restricted service hours, the Minister announced that officials will now be available during a new late-afternoon window. While many offices previously ceased public transactions by 1 p.m., citizens may now visit between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to resolve administrative issues. This extension specifically aims to assist those traveling from remote areas who frequently arrive after morning service windows have closed.
Source: The Hindu — National
