KSRTC Refurbishes Nearly 18% of Its Bus Fleet Since 2023 to Optimize Operations
In a strategic move to enhance fleet utilization while controlling capital expenditure, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has refurbished approximately 18% of its buses since 2023. Out of a total fleet of 8,900 buses, 1,568 vehicles have undergone refurbishment, including 32 premium Volvo buses. This initiative aims to extend the operational life of buses without the high costs associated with new procurements.
Scrapping Norms and Fleet Age Management
According to KSRTC guidelines, ordinary buses are typically scrapped after reaching 11 lakh kilometers or completing 15 years of service. For premier buses like Volvo, the threshold is set at 15 lakh kilometers or 15 years. Data from the corporation reveals that more than half of the fleet has already surpassed the 11 lakh kilometer mark. However, these buses continue to operate as they have not yet reached the 15-year age limit.
A senior KSRTC official explained, "The 15-year scrapping rule follows directives from the Union government issued in January 2023. Currently, none of our buses have crossed 15 years. Once a bus exceeds 11 lakh kilometers, we evaluate its operational efficiency. If refurbishment is economically viable, we undertake it in our workshops. Buses in poor condition are scrapped. This approach ensures optimal utilization until the bus completes 15 years."
Post-Pandemic Fleet Challenges and Renewal Efforts
The official addressed concerns about the high mileage of the fleet, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a temporary halt in new bus inductions to reduce financial strain. "Following the Covid-19 outbreak, KSRTC did not induct new buses for a couple of years, and there were state government directions to defer fresh procurement. However, in the last two years, we have inducted 1,138 new buses and scrapped older ones. In the current financial year, 450 buses have been scrapped," the official stated.
Looking ahead, KSRTC plans to induct 800 new buses in the coming months, including Pallakki non-AC models and around 70 premier buses. This renewal effort is part of a broader strategy to modernize the fleet and meet growing passenger demands.
Comparative Fleet Status Across Karnataka Corporations
The fleet situation varies across Karnataka's road transport corporations. The North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation has 257 buses that have crossed the 11 lakh kilometer mark, while the Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation has 2,196 such buses. In contrast, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) reports no buses exceeding this mileage threshold.
Impact of the Shakti Scheme on Fleet Expansion
The introduction of the Shakti Scheme, which offers free bus travel for women, has significantly increased passenger volumes but has not led to a proportional expansion of the fleet size. The corporations have issued over 680 crore tickets under the scheme, incurring an expenditure of Rs 17,647 crore. Of this, Rs 13,073 crore has been reimbursed by the government, leaving Rs 4,573 crore pending.
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy highlighted that bus induction was halted for four years during the previous BJP regime, affecting fleet expansion. "Fresh measures to induct new buses began only after Congress came to power. More than 6,000 buses have been procured in the last two-and-a-half years, and nearly 10,000 staff have been recruited, which did not happen under previous governments," he stated.
Despite the Shakti Scheme's success in boosting ridership, the road transport corporations have faced criticism for not aligning services with demand and for deploying older buses, particularly in rural areas. The ongoing refurbishment and new inductions are critical steps toward addressing these challenges and ensuring reliable public transportation across Karnataka.
