Priyadarshini schedule likely to change? Expert panel submits key recommendations

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The expert panel appointed to study the losses faced by the private bus sector following the implementation of the Priyadarshini scheme has submitted its report. Headed by former DGP K Padmakumar, the panel has made several key recommendations to address the financial losses faced by private bus operators.

The report was submitted amid growing concerns in the private bus sector. Soon after receiving the report, Chief Minister V D Satheesan held a meeting with Transport Minister C P John. The minister is expected to announce the government's decision on the recommendations on Wednesday evening.

The panel has reportedly recommended rescheduling Priyadarshini services and leasing private buses to help address the concerns of private operators.

Private bus owners have been claiming that the implementation of the Priyadarshini scheme by the V D Satheesan government on June 15 has caused significant revenue losses. Around 500 buses have completely stopped operating, while nearly half of the 11,000 private buses in the state are currently not running all their scheduled services. The crisis is particularly severe in Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Wayanad districts. At the same time, the KSRTC recorded a historic increase in revenue during the Onam season.

The financial crisis has also affected private bus employees. In a widely reported incident, some employees started selling snacks such as achappam and kuzhalappam on buses to earn a living. The move was also seen as a protest against Transport Minister C P John's earlier remark that private buses should explore new sources of revenue.