Thiruvananthapuram: The Keralam government has allowed MLAs to use ADS funds to procure buses for the KSRTC fleet, officials said on Sunday.
According to an order issued by the Finance Department on Saturday, an MLA can sanction funds for the procurement of a maximum of three buses under the Asset Development Scheme for the 2026-27 financial year.
The government said the move was aimed at strengthening public transport services and expanding the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation’s public bus fleet.
The seating capacity, body type and fuel type of the buses will be decided in consultation with the KSRTC Chairman and Managing Director.
While prioritising the requirements of commuters in the constituency to which the bus is allocated, the needs of neighbouring constituencies along the route will also have to be considered, the order said.
The KSRTC CMD has been directed to provide MLAs, by September 30, with a statement estimating the total cost of procuring a bus, categorised by model or type, including the price inclusive of taxes and other charges such as registration.
MLAs wishing to procure buses under the scheme will have to forward their proposals for sanctioning the use of their ADS allocation to the concerned District Collector before October 15, the order said.
After ensuring the availability of funds under the 2026-27 ADS, the District Collector will issue administrative sanction within seven days of receiving the proposal and designate the KSRTC CMD as the implementing officer.
The KSRTC CMD will consolidate the administrative sanctions issued by District Collectors and initiate procurement through a single tender, in accordance with the rules and guidelines of the state and central governments, the order said.
“While planning routes, priority will be given to passenger requirements in the concerned constituency in consultation with the respective MLA. However, decisions on the service category, allotment and redeployment of buses will be taken by KSRTC,” the order said.
Officials said all operational expenses, including fuel, staff salaries, operational charges, maintenance and repairs, would be borne by KSRTC.
The buses procured under the scheme will be added to the KSRTC public bus fleet.
The corporation will retain the authority to deploy the buses for any category of service, including Ordinary and Fast Passenger services, and redeploy them as requirements change, subject to technical suitability, applicable rules and service standards, the order added.
The decision was taken in view of KSRTC’s financial constraints and the need to replace its ageing fleet while meeting operational expenses, officials said.
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