Latest news with #KeralaStateRoadTransportCorporation
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.
The Hindu
16-07-2025
- The Hindu
Come Karkidakam, pilgrims cover four temples in a day in search of solace
As Karkidakam, the final and most spiritually significant month of the Malayalam calendar, begins on July 17, thousands of devotees across Kerala are preparing for the sacred Nalambala Darshan, a unique pilgrimage that takes them to four temples dedicated to Lord Rama and his brothers, all in a single day. Traditionally viewed as a month of misery, marked by rain, disease, and hardship, Karkidakam is also revered for its spiritual richness. Believers turn to the Ramayana for solace and strength, often reading the epic throughout the month. It is said that sage Valmiki completed the Ramayana during this time. In this context, the Nalambala Darshan becomes more than a ritual, it is a symbolic journey of inner renewal and devotion. The pilgrimage of Nalambala Darshan is taken to the Sree Rama temple, Thriprayar; Bharatha temple, Koodalmanikyam; Lakshmana temple, Moozhikulam; and Sathrughna temple, Payammal. The temples have made elaborate arrangements to receive devotees for the pilgrimage. The pilgrimage begins at the Sree Rama temple in Thriprayar. The temple opens as early as 3.30 a.m., with devotees advised to complete their darshan before the early morning pujas begin at 5 a.m. Long queues are expected, but elaborate arrangements, including rain shelters, CCTV surveillance, mobile counters for offerings, and ample parking, ensure a smooth experience. Offerings like 'kathina vedi,' 'meenoottu' (feeding fish), and 'avil nivedyam' are part of the traditional rituals. Next is the Koodalmanikyam temple in Irinjalakuda, dedicated to Bharata. Devotees enter through the eastern gate, offer prayers, and exit through the western side. The devotees also make a circumambulation of the temple tank, Kulipini Theertham. The temple sees heavy footfall on weekends and offers rituals such as 'tamara mala' (lotus garland), 'neyvilakku,' and 'pushpanjali.' Free 'kanji' is served daily in the 'oottupura.' From there, pilgrims head to the Moozhikkulam Lakshmana Perumal temple in Ernakulam district. This rare temple, where Lakshmana is worshipped, opens at 4.30 a.m. Devotees follow a specific prayer sequence, offering items like 'palpayasam,' 'unniyappam,' and 'elluthiri.' A massive shelter accommodates over 5,000 devotees, and 'annadanam' (free meals) is arranged for around 3,000 daily. The final stop is Payammal Shatrughna Temple, located near Irinjalakuda. The temple opens at 5.30 a.m. and remains accessible till 9.30 p.m. depending on crowd flow. Special rituals like 'Sudarsana pushpanjali,' 'chandanam charthal,' and 'shankhabhishekam' are performed for the removal of obstacles and blessings of prosperity. Full circle of devotion Interestingly, the pilgrimage both begins and ends at Thriprayar, a full circle of devotion. As devotees walk this spiritual path, they don't just traverse geography, they traverse the legacy of righteousness, loyalty, and dharma that the sons of king Dasharatha represent. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation is conducting special services for the devotees for Nalambala Darshan.
New Indian Express
16-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
KSRTC's open-top double-decker elevates tourism experience
KOCHI: Kochi's tourism landscape just got an exhilarating new addition with the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) rolling out its open-top double-decker bus service in the city. Industries Minister P Rajeeve flagged off the service in a function held at the Ernakulam Boat Jetty on Tuesday evening. The daily evening trips, designed to offer unparalleled panoramic views of the city's coastal front, promise to transform how visitors and locals alike experience the city's breathtaking vistas. The refurbished bus has 39 seats in the upper deck and 24 seats in the lower deck. Tickets have been priced at Rs 300 per person for the open-top upper deck, to soak in the picturesque coastal scenery of Kochi from an elevated perspective. At the same time, those travelling in the lower deck will be charged only Rs 150 per person. 'There will be only a single trip in a day. The 'City Tour' will start daily from the Ernakulam KSRTC bus stand at 5pm and return to the stand by 8pm. The bus will ply 29km during the three-hour city tour,' said R Udayakumar, chief traffic officer of KSRTC Budget Tourism Cell. The double-decker can also be rented out by tourists who arrive in groups or for small celebrations. 'The bus can be booked for operation at any time other than the slot for the daily trips for Rs 15,300. Advance booking can be done either through the corporation's online website or by contacting 9447223212." As the double-decker cruises along key routes, passengers can enjoy and capture unforgettable moments of Kochi's iconic landmarks, bustling streets, and serene backwater fronts. The unique initiative by KSRTC's Budget Tourism Cell aims to replicate the success of similar 'City Tour' ventures in the state capital. Service route Ernakulam KSRTC Bus stand - Thevara - BOT Bridge - CoPT Avenue walkway (15 minutes halt there, before returning) Subhash Park - Ernakulam Jetty - Marine Drive - High Court - Vallarpadam - Kalamukku (return) - MG Road - Ernakulam KSRTC bus stand
The Hindu
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
General strike disrupts normal life in Ernakulam
Normal life was hit in Ernakulam of Kerala on Wednesday (July 9, 2025) following the nationwide general strike by the combine of trade unions. Shops and commercial establishments remained closed in the district. Public transport was also affected as private buses stayed off the road. The supporters of the strike blocked a Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus at Velloorkunnam, Muvattupuzha. The windshield of the bus was damaged in alleged stone-throwing by them. Two persons were arrested by the Muvattupuzha police in connection with the incident. Efforts by KSRTC employees affiliated to the Bharat Mazdoor Sangh, who stayed away from the strike, to operate a low-floor bus service from the Ernakulam depot to Kozhikode failed following opposition from employees affiliated to the Left-trade unions. The driver and conductor of the bus said that they were ready to operate the service, if the authorities ensured adequate police protection. There were six reservations from Nedumbassery, and the passengers were informed about the protest, they said. Police personnel, who were posted at the site, said they had not received instructions from the authorities of the bus depot to provide protection. A few autorickshaws were seen plying within the Kochi city limits. However, drivers pointed out that there were only a few commuters. People were seen mostly moving in two-wheelers in the morning as public transport was hit as private buses stayed off the road. The Kochi metro operated services as usual, though the number of passengers was low compared to normal days, according to Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL). Attendance was very poor at the civil station at Kakkanad as a majority of employees stayed away from work. The functioning of the Cochin Special Economic Zone at Kakkanad was also hit following the strike. The combine of trade unions staged a rally as part of the protest. Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan, who inaugurated a rally and protest by trade unions affiliated to the United Democratic Front here, blamed the Central and State governments for ignoring the rights and interests of workers. There is no labour protection in the country. The Left Front government, which came to power in the name of a party of workers, has now turned into a govenment of capitalists, he alleged.
The Hindu
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Strike brings life to a standstill in Kozhikode district
: The nation-wide general strike called by a coalition of 10 prominent trade unions in protest against the Union government's alleged 'anti-labour policies' brought normal life to a standstill in Kozhikode district on Wednesday. Trade union workers forcibly shut several shops, offices and commercial establishments alleging that the 'non-cooperation' was endorsing the anti-labour policies. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation's attempt to operate local services in Kozhikode failed to take off amidst the intensified protest. A group of trade union workers continuously staged sit-in front of the KSRTC bus stand and the depot in Kozhikode city to obstruct the service. However, some of the long distance services were permitted as usual for the stranded passengers. 'The trade union workers who gathered near the KSRTC stand were not even ready to cooperate with the pick-and-drop service offered by a few private vehicle operators to stranded patients. There was mild tension in the area as the protesters accused the service operators of collecting money and permitting all types of passengers in the name of hospital service,' said a home guard who was on duty near the spot. He also said there were attempts to damage the vehicle. Attempts to block vehicles and forcibly shut shops created a tense situation in the rural areas of Kozhikode. At Mukkom, the protesters locked horns with several bank employees, government officials and operators of commercial establishments alleging poor cooperation to the national strike. Some of them barged into the office of the Assistant Education Officer at Mukkom and threatened an employee who refused to leave the premises. 'Even the fish merchants were threatened to stop the sale in Mukkom and surrounding areas. If they had not closed the outlets, the protesters would have poured kerosene on the stock,' said a local merchant association leader from Mukkom. He said some of the protesters were found using rude and offensive language to create a scary situation. As public transportation was paralysed, several passengers were stranded at Kozhikode railway station, where the taxi operators also kept off the road expressing solidarity with the strike. Many of them left home by personally arranged private vehicles. Though a few auto-rickshaw drivers turned up early in the morning, they too disappeared after a few hours' service following the opposition from trade union leaders. Meanwhile, the free ride offered by a group of volunteers under 'Helping hands of Kozhikode' came to the help of many stranded senior citizens. Several young volunteers were found joining the team with their scooters and motorcycles to support the initiative. There were heightened security arrangements on the part of Kozhikode city police who deployed additional patrol squads to cover sensitive areas where the trade union workers remained active throughout the day. They said no major incidents of violence were reported till late in the evening.
