Thiruvananthapuram, 02 September (H.S.): An expert committee appointed by the Kerala government has recommended a major revision of the timings and schedules of Kerala State Road Transport Corporation's Priyadarshini services to reduce the financial losses suffered by private bus operators.

The committee, headed by former Director General of Police K. Padmakumar, submitted its report to the government within 50 days of its formation. The panel was constituted to examine complaints that the introduction of Priyadarshini services had adversely affected the revenue of private buses operating on the same or overlapping routes.

Soon after receiving the report, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan held discussions with the Transport Minister to consider the recommendations and decide on further action.

The committee's principal proposal is to substantially reorganise the existing schedules of Priyadarshini buses. It reportedly observed that operating KSRTC and private buses at closely spaced intervals was leading to unhealthy competition and reducing passenger revenue for private operators.

A more balanced timetable would allow both KSRTC and private services to operate without severely affecting each other's earnings, the committee said. The proposed changes are expected to focus on avoiding the bunching of buses, rationalising departure times and reducing unnecessary duplication of services along the same routes.

The government is expected to study the report in detail before issuing directions to the Transport Department and KSRTC. Discussions may also be held with representatives of private bus owners and employees before the revised schedules are finalised.

Private bus operators had repeatedly raised concerns that the Priyadarshini scheme was affecting the viability of their services. They had sought government intervention, arguing that continued revenue losses could force operators to withdraw buses from several routes.

The government's final decision is expected to seek a balance between maintaining affordable and dependable public transport and protecting the livelihood of those dependent on the private bus industry.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman