KSRTC To Hire 600 Private Buses As Ageing Fleet Triggers Major Capacity Crunch

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) plans to hire around 600 private buses on contract to maintain passenger services as a large section of its ageing fleet nears retirement.

According to reports, more than 2,050 KSRTC buses are approaching the end of their permitted service life under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules.

Nearly 1,200 buses are expected to be withdrawn by September, while the remaining vehicles will be phased out over the following six months.

The decision to induct private buses is aimed at preventing service disruptions, particularly ahead of the Onam and Sabarimala pilgrimage seasons, when passenger demand across Kerala typically increases.

To address the long-term fleet shortage, KSRTC has sought approval for a ₹1,400 crore foreign loan to procure 2,500 new buses, including 2,300 BS-VI diesel buses and 200 electric buses. Until the new fleet is inducted, the corporation intends to rely on contracted private buses to bridge the gap.

The development highlights the mounting challenge of fleet replacement for state transport undertakings (STUs), many of which continue to operate ageing buses while facing financial constraints and delays in vehicle procurement.

As older buses are retired under regulatory norms, transport corporations are increasingly under pressure to maintain service levels without sufficient replacement vehicles.

For private bus operators, KSRTC’s move could create new business opportunities through long-term contract operations with state transport undertakings.

At the same time, the planned procurement of 2,500 new buses signals one of the largest fleet replacement exercises in recent years, offering significant opportunities for bus manufacturers competing in the public transport segment.

The replacement programme is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring uninterrupted public transport services while modernising KSRTC’s fleet with newer diesel and electric buses over the coming months.