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Kerala Government Considers Seat Belts for Long-Distance KSRTC Buses
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News18•16-10-2026, 18:00
Kerala Government Considers Seat Belts for Long-Distance KSRTC Buses
- •The Kerala government is evaluating the feasibility of installing seat belts in long-distance KSRTC buses to prevent injuries during sudden braking.
- •Transport Minister C P John stated that a detailed study will be conducted regarding the safety measure for passengers in pushback seats.
- •The minister clarified that local self-government involvement in maintaining KSRTC depots is strictly voluntary for revenue-healthy bodies.
- •He denied that ordinary KSRTC buses were converted into city fast services, explaining that some services were adjusted for the Priyadarshini free travel scheme for women.
- •More than Rs 200 crore has been allocated to support the Priyadarshini scheme, dismissing claims of a financial crisis.
Key Questions Answered
Yes, the Keralam government is exploring the feasibility of installing seat belts on long-distance KSRTC buses to prevent passengers from hitting the seats ahead during sudden braking.
The Priyadarshini scheme provides free travel for women on KSRTC buses. The government has allocated budgetary funds exceeding Rs 200 crore to support this initiative without facing any financial crisis.
The government is not forcing local self-government bodies to maintain KSRTC depots, but it will not discourage municipalities and corporations with healthy revenues from doing so voluntarily. Some local bodies already handle upkeep activities like maintaining depot toilets.
