Nava Kerala Sadas Bus’ Transformation After Modification to Passenger Transport
The Nava Kerala Sadas bus had to undergo significant modification to facilitate regular passenger transportation. It is slated to commence operations on either the Thiruvananthapuram-Bengaluru route or the Kozhikode-Bengaluru route.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s extravagant Nava Kerala Sadas Bus stirred up significant controversy last year, due to its exorbitant cost, prompting widespread debates on the necessity and fiscal prudence of such expenditure.
Critics vehemently argued that the Rs 1.05 crore price tag of the Bharat Benz bus is nothing short of wasteful, especially considering the availability of luxury buses already present in the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation‘s fleet.
In contrast, supporters, primarily comprising incumbent party ministers and members, staunchly defend the investment, asserting that the bus serves as a vital asset for bolstering Kerala’s burgeoning tourism industry.
Following the grand finale of the Nava Kerala Sadas tour, the Nava Kerala Sadas Bus found itself in a state of prolonged hibernation.
In January 2024, the bus was sent to Prakash Bus Body Builders for a makeover tailored to passenger transport.
However, despite its facelift, the bus remained parked, courting controversy.
Now, after a leisurely four-month hiatus, officials have finally announced that the Nava Kerala Sadas Bus will be inducted into KSRTC’s fleet.
The bus is slated to commence operations on either the Thiruvananthapuram-Bengaluru route or the Kozhikode-Bengaluru route.
The Delay Behind the Bus’ Induction into KSRTC?
Despite initial intentions to allocate the Nava Kerala bus to KSRTC’s budget tourism wing, recognized for its cost-effective travel offerings, the bus remained idle for an extended period, despite heightened demand for air-conditioned buses, particularly during the summer season.
Sources suggest that its lack of utilization can be attributed to a perceived lack of interest at senior administrative levels.
Originally proposed by former KSRTC CMD Biju Prabhakar and supported by former Transport Minister Antony Raju, the plan to integrate the bus faced setbacks following the Kerala cabinet reshuffle in December 2023..
Antony Raju resigned from his position in December 2023, followed by Biju Prabhakar stepping down as KSRTC CMD in February 2024.
Following this, interest in the bus dwindled, resulting in bureaucratic hurdles.
According to reports from Matrubhumi, Kerala’s leading news and infotainment channel, the transition in leadership led to a stagnation in progress, as attempts by the company to engage KSRTC officials were met with disapproval from higher authorities.
This administrative impasse left the bus stranded in Bengaluru for three months until public outcry intervention prompted its return.
Nava Kerala Sadas Bus Transformation After Modification
Significant modifications were necessary to transform the Nava Kerala Sadas bus for passenger transport.
According to reports from Manorama, approximately Rs 2 lakhs were expended on these modifications.
What Has Been Stripped Away
The extravagant seat, originally valued at Rs 50,000 and designated for the Chief Minister, has been removed.
Furthermore, the seating arrangement of the bus has been reconfigured to accommodate passenger luggage.
What Endures
Despite the alterations, several features remain intact.
The bus boasts essential amenities such as a wash basin and bathroom facilities.
It features 25 pushback seats arranged in a 2+2 layout, along with an additional seat designated for the conductor.
The Nava Kerala Sadas Bus lift, valued at Rs. 3 lakhs and previously utilized to facilitate the CM’s embarkation, has been retained.
Additionally, passengers can enjoy entertainment amenities such as a TV and music system.
The larger glass windows have been preserved, offering enhanced viewing opportunities for passengers.
Nava Kerala Sadas Bus FAQs
- What is the cost of the Nava Kerala Sadas Bus?
The Nava Kerala Sadas Bus was made at a cost of Rs 1.05 crore.
- Where was the Nava Kerala Sadas Bus built?
The Nava Kerala Sadas Bus was built in Prakash Bus Body Builders, Bengaluru.
- What is the chassis of the Nava Kerala Sadas Bus?
The Nava Kerala Sadas bus is built on the Bharat Benz 1624, BS6 chassis.
- How much was spent on the Nava Kerala Sadas bus for modification into a passenger bus?
According to reports from Manorama, approximately Rs 2 lakhs were expended on these modifications.
