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New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Automotive
- New Indian Express
Need permit? Roll out new private buses adhering to emission norms
KOCHI: In a move aimed at phasing out 'rickety' private buses, the motor vehicle department (MVD) will henceforth issue fresh permits only to private players willing to operate new buses that adhere to Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emission norms. 'New permits will be issued only to new private buses. We've discussed the matter with major private bus associations which agreed to the condition. A government order (GO) in this regard will be out in a few days,' Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar told TNIE. The authorities will also curtail the issuance of temporary permits. 'Many are operating old buses using temporary permits, which is a safety concern. Private operators should now bring new buses adhering to the emission norms set by the Union government, like Bharat VI,' the minister pointed out. He said many NRIs have complained of lobbies giving false assurances that temporary licences could be acquired with old buses and new permits received later. "That won't happen now,' Ganesh said. While Kerala was the first state to limit the shelf life of buses to 15 years, the state later raised the age limit of buses to 20 years, and further to 22, considering the request of private bus owners. That even as the Union government decided to de-register and scrap all vehicles older than 15 years. Geo-fencing to curb speeding The minister said the transport department will soon introduce geo-fencing technology at select points to curb competitive running among private buses.
New Indian Express
19-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Boat travel goes digital: Online booking and GPS tracking soon
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Taking a boat trip on the State Water Transport Department (SWTD) services is about to become much easier. The department is preparing for a major digital upgrade that will allow passengers to plan trips, book seats, and make payments online – just like on KSRTC buses. As part of the plan, SWTD will adopt a customised mobile ticketing app and introduce Android-based Electronic Ticket Vending Machines (ETVMs) that support GPS tracking. These upgrades aim to make travel simpler, especially for those unfamiliar with the region's geography. Unlike KSRTC, SWTD faces difficulty in setting up information counters in the remote locations. In Kuttanad region alone there are 450 boat jetties and SWTD is the lone operator. 'The new system will help passengers get info about available trips, timings, and fares from any jetty. We are even planning to include location maps to help people reach the jetties,' said Shaji V Nair, Director, State Water Transport Department. Currently, SWTD operates 100 boats and runs around 750 trips daily across Alappuzha, Kottayam, Kollam, Ernakulam, Kannur, and Kasaragod. The digital facilities are expected to boost the demand as SWTD plans more budget tourism services. In the first phase, tourists will be able to select seats in advance. Passenger boats will get this feature in later phases, after necessary system updates. Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar is leading the department's digital transformation, responding to long-standing demands for boat tracking and digital ticketing. The facilities would cater to 150 lakh commuters who use the boat services annually, along with the growing number of tourists exploring the backwaters. The government would be spending close to Rs 2.7 crore for developing the mobile application and for purchasing ETVMs. SWTD has already received approval for integrating a payment gateway with its treasury accounts. Once implemented, the system will generate valuable data, helping the department to plan better routes, cut down operational costs, and identify areas with tourism potential. Officials also hope to introduce travel cards in the future, similar to those used in KSRTC services. KSRTC has recently introduced the facility tracking app and travel cards.
New Indian Express
19-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Boat services fly flag for SWTD's backwater tourism endeavour
ALAPPUZHA: The state water transport department's 'Vega' and 'See Kuttanad' tourist boat services have been crafting a success story, delighting both domestic and international travellers with affordable, scenic cruises along Alappuzha's backwaters. Launched to offer a budget-friendly yet unforgettable visual treat of rural Kerala, the vessels have rapidly become favourites of tourists. They wind through the famed Punnamada backwaters, the tranquil expanses of Vembanad Lake, and the lush paddy fields of Kuttanad, all while serving authentic Alappuzha delicacies like karimeen, kappa, and kakka erachi on board. In 55 months of its operations, Vega has carried nearly 1.15 lakh tourists and helped SWTD to a revenue of Rs 5 crore, while the double-decker See Kuttanad has earned Rs 1.55 crore and handled 40,000 tourists in 24 months — in a major boost to the tourism sector in Alappuzha. The 120-seater Vega, the star cruiser of the SWTD, was commissioned on December 24, 2020. Built at a cost of Rs 2.10 crore, the vessel achieved its projected seven-year cost recovery period in under four years, a milestone that highlights both its popularity and operational success. 'The response has been phenomenal. We've crossed break-even well ahead of schedule, which proves that quality services at affordable rates will always have takers,' said SWTD director Shaji V Nair. Following Vega's success, the 90-seater See Kuttanad service was introduced on November 1, 2022. Within just two years, it has edged closer to recovering its Rs 1.90 crore production cost. 'The growing interest in our services has encouraged us to plan more tourist-centric initiatives. One of the upcoming projects, Kuttanad Safari, the brainchild of Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar, is progressing rapidly and is expected to set a new benchmark,' Shaji added. Both Vega and See Kuttanad sail daily from the Alappuzha boat jetty at 11am and 11:30am, respectively. The voyage includes stops at the picturesque Pathiramanal Island, and views of the SAI rowing facility, Chithira-Marthandam Kayal, Kamalante Moola, and Mangalassery before returning by late afternoon. Tourists are treated to light refreshments and a sumptuous traditional Kerala lunch arranged by Kudumbashree. At a time when houseboats are offering relatively pricey day cruises, the department's low-budget rides are proving a hit with travellers.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
KSRTC to roll out 1 lakh smart cards
T'puram: Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is making a strong push for digitisation by printing over one lakh smart cards for bus ticket payments. These cards can be linked to an app (Chalo) and recharged easily using a smartphone. KSRTC has already sold 90,000 cards over the past few months and officials say demand is growing steadily among regular passengers. Transport minister KB Ganesh Kumar said 50,000 more cards will be made available soon and the rest will be released in the coming months. While KSRTC is moving ahead with digital ticketing, private bus operators still prefer cash transactions and are reluctant to shift to digital payments. It may take longer before digital ticketing becomes a reality in private buses across the state. Student concession will soon be shifted to smart cards, replacing the current paper-based concession cards, the minister said. These smart cards will let students travel on KSRTC buses for 25 days a month, including Saturdays. To use the card, students can swipe it on the conductor's handheld ticket machine during each ride. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo This swiping process helps confirm the student's identity and is designed to prevent misuse of the concession facility. The smart card also allows students to make multiple trips each day. KSRTC plans to implement this change in a phased manner, starting with select regions. The aim is to reduce long queues and make the process easier. Students can apply for or recharge the smart concession cards online or through the existing app, making the entire process more convenient. Kumar also said the department would make sure private buses allow students to travel. There have been many complaints that some bus operators avoid students because the concessional fare is low. At present, private buses charge students Re 1. However, digital payments in private buses may take time, as the transport department will not make it mandatory. The minister said it is up to the bus owners to decide whether they want to introduce a digital payment system.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Time of India
Aranmula Vallasadya begins in a grand manner
1 2 3 Kochi: A grand feast offering 64 traditionally relevant dishes and an elegant snake boat race on a raging river stood out once again as the historic Aranmula Vallasadya began on Sunday. Transport minister K B Ganesh Kumar inaugurated the event by lighting a ceremonial lamp in front of the Parthasarathy Temple. "Aranmula Vallasadya is a symbol of art, culture and hospitality of Keralites," said Ganesh. Health minister Veena George, MP Anto Antony and MLA Pramod Narayan served dishes to mark the beginning of Vallasadya. George said Vallasadya was a celebration of faith, culture and art. On the first day, seven palliyodams participated in the Vallasadya, with Kozhencherry finishing first. The Vallasadya for the 52 palliyodams of the temple's various karas (localities) will conclude on Oct 2. Ganesh also inaugurated the Vallasadya held at the Panchajanyam Auditorium as part of the KSRTC budget tourism cell's Panchapandava temple tour. The minister said the tour was receiving significant support from pilgrims from various parts of Kerala, cutting across religions, Ganesh said. Strong security measures were in place around the temple as part of Vallasadya. The fire and safety services' scuba team was also deployed along Pampa River as part of the boat race.
