New Delhi

The Kerala State Government has made a significant decision regarding its public transportation system, granting a two-year extension to 1,200 Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses that were scheduled to be decommissioned on Monday after reaching their 15-year service limit. This move comes in the wake of an unanswered appeal from the state's Transport Minister, K B Ganesh Kumar, to Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, seeking permission to extend the operational lifespan of these vehicles.

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The decision was primarily driven by concerns over potential disruptions to public transport services if these buses were to be taken off the roads. KSRTC has been grappling with significant operational challenges, chief among them being a severe shortage of vehicles. The corporation's fleet has seen a dramatic reduction from 6,200 buses when the Left government came into power to the current count of just 4,000 vehicles. As per central motor vehicle regulations, the 1,200 buses in question were due to be scrapped on September 30, having completed their mandated 15-year service period.

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Financial constraints have played a crucial role in this situation. Despite the government's earlier allocation of INR 92 crore in the budget for the acquisition of new buses, subsequent budget cuts across various departments left KSRTC without the necessary funds to proceed with these purchases. The proposal to extend the lifespan of the existing buses was thus seen as a necessary measure to maintain service continuity and minimize inconvenience to passengers.

In his communication to the Union Minister, Ganesh Kumar highlighted the financial difficulties faced by the state government and argued that many of the buses, despite their age, remain in serviceable condition. However, in the absence of a response from the central government, the state transport department took matters into its own hands, issuing an order to extend the operational period of these buses.

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This decision, however, is not without potential legal complications. The authority to approve such extensions ultimately lies with the central government, raising questions about the legal standing of the state's unilateral action. This situation opens up the possibility of legal challenges to the order in the future.