Kochi: Though the UDF government launched its free travel scheme for women on Monday, Kerala lacks a permanent institutional mechanism to address critical passenger and freight transport fare and cost-related matters. While states like Karnataka have established public transport fare regulatory committees under their motor vehicle rules, Kerala has revised fares on an ad-hoc case-by-case basis.
Ad-Hoc Approach Persists
“For two plus decades, Kerala managed fare revisions on an ad-hoc case-by-case basis. Whenever public protests erupt or fuel prices fluctuate wildly, temporary committees like Justice Ramachandran Committee are set up,” said transport expert Upendra Narayan. The motor vehicles department’s joint transport commissioner handles statutory oversight to fulfil basic requirements, treating complex fare regulation as an extra temporary duty rather than a core continuous function, he added.
Impact on Transport Ecosystem
“The lack of a scientific and data-driven approach to fix fares led to the steady decline of Kerala’s transport ecosystem. For the new scheme to remain sustainable, we need continuous, proactive monitoring rather than waiting for operators to go on strike,” he said. The ‘gap’ leads to constant friction between service providers, daily commuters and the government.
Examples from Other States
“Karnataka and Odisha have successfully set up permanent transport fare regulatory bodies. They have a mechanism under which the fare will be automatically hiked or reduced in tune with market components like fuel price. Also, the regulatory body will study the long-term effects of free-travel schemes in detail,” said Bus and Car Operators Confederation of India vice-president Rijas A J.
Operational Difficulties
Regional urban mobility experts said the lack of a permanent regulatory framework creates severe operational difficulties, including delayed decision-making and inadequate consideration of regional-level challenges. “Without continuous monitoring, the state fails to maintain historical data, fare revision history or objective cost analysis, making future decisions look reactive rather than scientific. What we need is a regulatory mechanism that involves the local government as well,” said D Dhanuraj, chairman of Centre for Public Policy Research, a public-policy think tank.
Way Forward
“Kerala must shift its focus from crisis management to institutional capability. The state should establish a statutory body akin to Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission or Kerala Road Safety Authority. Considering present administrative and financial realities, the immediate establishment of a dedicated public transport fare and cost analysis technical cell under the transport commissionerate would be a significant step forward,” said Narayan.
