KSRTC New Buses Inducted After Six-Year Gap, Kicks Off Major Fleet Revamp
The new KSRTC buses will fall under both Super Fast and Fast Passenger categories. Read more about the number of buses inducted, the budget allocation and more incoming buses.
The KSRTC new buses inducted into the fleet have restarted its fleet upgrade programme after a six-year procurement freeze.
The initiative, which marks a key milestone for Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), includes both Fast Passenger and Super Fast buses. It is part of a broader plan to modernise and expand services across urban and rural routes.
KSRTC New Buses: First Batch of 80 Buses Inducted, More on the Way
In the first phase, 80 new buses are now being delivered—comprising 60 Super Fast and 20 Fast Passenger models. These vehicles are built on Tata chassis with bodies constructed by Automobile Corporation of Goa Ltd (ACGL).
Both the Fast Passenger and Super Fast categories share the same body platform. But they can be distinguished visually by unique front-end colour schemes to aid passenger identification.
The full order consists of 143 buses, with the remaining 63 units set to arrive within the next three months.
The new buses will replace aging high-maintenance units currently in service. This will help KSRTC reduce operational downtime and improve service reliability.
KSRTC New Buses Budget Deployment
The government of Kerala had allocated ₹107 crore in its recent budget for public transport fleet expansion. As of July, ₹62 crore has already been released, with ₹22.9 crore disbursed as advance payments to the selected OEMs.
The remaining funds will be used to complete the procurement cycle and implement supporting infrastructure upgrades, including depot modernisation and service automation.
KSRTC New Buses: Multi-Vendor Supply Strategy in Play
KSRTC has adopted a multi-vendor sourcing model for this rollout. In addition to Tata Motors, the corporation has placed orders with Ashok Leyland and Eicher to ensure timely supply across multiple categories.
Also, Ashok Leyland will supply:
- 8 AC Sleeper buses
- 10 AC Sleeper-cum-Seater buses
- 8 AC Semi-Sleeper buses
Eicher Motors will deliver a batch of 37 short-length buses (around 9 metres) These are intended for town-to-town and rural connectivity operations.
From long-distance express corridors to first-mile/last-mile feeder services, this approach helps KSRTC leverage different vehicle capabilities for specific requirements and challenges of each route.
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Conclusion
The launch of KSRTC new buses marks more than just a fleet expansion. It reflects Kerala’s renewed focus on reliable, tech-enabled, and passenger-friendly public transport.
As the remaining buses join the fleet in the coming months, KSRTC’s transformation journey could serve as a template for other STUs navigating similar challenges of ageing fleets, rising costs, and shifting commuter expectations.
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