Kerala Bans Permits for Old Buses: New BS6 Bus Permit Rules Announced

The Kerala government has banned permits for old re-registered buses, allowing only BS6-compliant vehicles to promote cleaner and safer public transport.

The Kerala government has introduced strict new permit rules banning the import and re-registration of old buses from other states.

Going forward, only Bharat Stage VI (BS6) compliant buses will be eligible for permits in Kerala, as part of the state’s effort to reduce pollution and improve passenger safety, says a report by Mathrubhumi.

Earlier in October, the State Transport Authority (STA) announced that obtaining a new bus permit in Kerala would now require an investment of at least ₹35 lakh, as only owners of brand-new buses are eligible to apply.

The decision, taken during the STA’s meeting last month, has reportedly seen limited response so far, with few operators willing to invest such a significant amount under the new policy.

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Crackdown on Re-Registered Buses

In recent years, Kerala’s Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) detected a rise in re-registered and reused buses brought from states such as Rajasthan and Punjab.

Many of these vehicles, originally BS3 emission standard buses, had exceeded their operational lifespan and were being refurbished, modified, and granted new route permits in Kerala.

Officials revealed that some operators illegally altered chassis dimensions and vehicle structure — a direct violation of national bus body and safety codes.

While cosmetic body repairs are allowed, chassis modification and shortening are prohibited, as they can compromise stability, braking, and passenger safety.

A recent MVD investigation also uncovered organised groups involved in modifying and registering old buses, allegedly with the help of a few officials.

The government has initiated a probe and vowed strict action against those enabling such violations.

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New Permit Rules in Kerala

Under the latest policy, bus permits in Kerala will now be issued only to BS6 vehicles. The government’s order effectively bans re-registration of old buses brought from outside the state, closing loopholes that previously allowed aged and high-emission vehicles to re-enter service.

This move aligns Kerala with national emission control goals and reinforces the importance of environmentally sustainable and safety-certified public transport.

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What It Means for Operators

The ban on re-registered buses is expected to reshape the state’s intercity and stage carriage segment. Fleet owners and private operators will now need to upgrade to BS6 buses or procure new permits under the updated guidelines.

For the state, this transition represents a significant step toward cleaner, safer, and more efficient road transport.