Kerala Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar has responded to Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V.V. Rajesh regarding the operation of city e-buses. The Minister clarified that the e-buses were not shifted to other parts of the state under political pressure, emphasizing that the state had a significant investment in the project.
Ganesh Kumar explained that the Corporation procured 113 e-buses as part of an agreement involving three parties. He highlighted that the buses were not being operated in other districts due to maintenance complexities, with a single battery replacement costing Rs 28 lakh.
In response to the Mayor’s demands, the Minister assured that if requested, the e-buses would be returned within 24 hours upon a letter to the KSRTC CMD. However, he stated that if the Corporation buses were returned, they would not be allowed to be parked on KSRTC premises.
Ganesh Kumar expressed readiness to address the issue, noting that the drivers, conductors, and workshop facilities for the e-buses were provided by KSRTC. He emphasized the importance of clarifying misunderstandings and ensuring the smooth operation of the city’s public transport.
