More comfort, more choice: KSRTC plans premium AC fleet

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has invited tenders to hire premium air-conditioned buses under a wet-lease arrangement as part of its efforts to strengthen long-distance services.

Under the proposed arrangement, the selected contractors will provide both the buses and drivers. The tenders cover 12-metre, 13.5-metre and 15-metre buses in AC seater, AC sleeper and AC seater-cum-sleeper configurations.

The decision marks the return of the wet-lease model, which was introduced during the tenure of former Transport Minister Thomas Chandy. At the time, KSRTC's operation of 10 buses under a similar arrangement had drawn criticism and triggered controversy.