KSRTC Partners with Chicking for Onboard Food Delivery and Discounts

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has introduced an onboard food ordering facility in partnership with popular quick-service restaurant chain Chicking, marking a new step towards enhancing passenger convenience and service differentiation on state-run bus operations. The initiative offers passengers a 25% discount on food orders and has been launched as a pilot on select long-distance and tourism services.

The service has initially been implemented on five KSRTC superclass services and budget tourism buses, which were officially flagged off recently. Passengers travelling on these buses can place food orders during their journey by scanning a QR code displayed inside the bus, allowing them to access the Chicking menu digitally. Orders are processed online and delivered at designated halt points along the route, ensuring that bus schedules are not disrupted.

According to KSRTC officials, the initiative aims to address a long-standing challenge faced by long-distance bus passengers — access to hygienic, standardised food options during travel. Traditionally, passengers have depended on roadside eateries during brief halt stops, often with limited choice and inconsistent quality. The onboard ordering system seeks to offer a more organised alternative, while also reducing congestion and delays at halt locations.

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The collaboration forms part of a broader effort by KSRTC to modernise its passenger-facing services through digital integration and private-sector partnerships. The use of QR-based ordering aligns with the corporation’s ongoing push towards cashless transactions and technology-driven service delivery across its fleet.

From an operational standpoint, KSRTC has selected superclass and tourism services for the pilot phase due to their longer journey durations and higher passenger expectations. Officials indicated that passenger feedback and operational performance during this trial phase will determine whether the service is extended to additional routes and bus categories.

For the bus and mobility sector, the initiative highlights a growing trend among state transport undertakings to move beyond core transport functions and introduce value-added services that improve passenger experience while opening up non-fare revenue opportunities. Partnerships with food, retail, and digital service providers are increasingly being explored by transport agencies to enhance service appeal without significantly increasing operating costs.

Industry observers note that such initiatives could play a role in improving the competitiveness of state-run bus services against private operators, particularly on premium and long-distance routes. If scaled effectively, onboard food services could also help standardise service quality across fleets and strengthen brand perception for public transport operators.

KSRTC officials said the corporation will closely monitor passenger uptake, delivery efficiency, and operational coordination during the pilot. Based on the results, similar collaborations may be considered in the future as part of KSRTC’s broader service enhancement strategy.