Kudumbashree to Bring Sparkle to KSRTC Buses

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala’s buses are set to get a fresh lease of life. Kudumbashree will now take charge of cleaning KSRTC buses, beginning with the bustling Thiruvananthapuram Central Depot, the starting point for most of the city’s premium and long-distance services. Passengers can look forward to a journey free from dust and grime, as the initiative promises cleaner, more comfortable, and inviting rides across the state.

Twenty members from local Community Development Societies will be entrusted with the task. Each bus will be cleaned for 150 rupees, with teams working in shifts around the clock. Until now, cleaning was sporadic. This new arrangement aims to change that, bringing a sense of care and attention to public transport.

KSRTC operates nearly a thousand buses in Thiruvananthapuram alone, with more in nearby Kollam. Across the state, there are 93 depots, some relying on private agencies for cleaning. The Kudumbashree initiative seeks to standardise cleaning across all buses, while also creating employment for around 500 people, giving the program a social impact alongside its practical benefits.

The plan doesn’t stop at just washing buses. Over a thousand buses will be equipped with waste baskets, and major depots will also have dedicated bins. Several depots are currently undergoing renovations, and new bus stands are being constructed using prefabricated steel structures in towns including Changanassery, Attingal, Vizhinjam, Perurkkad, Kollam, Kottarakkara, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Chengannur. These stands promise cleaner, more organised spaces, making bus travel not only smoother but also more pleasant.

Some depots have already won the Haritha Kerala Mission’s Haritha award for maintaining high standards of cleanliness and eco-friendly practices. Officials believe that with cleaner buses and better infrastructure, public transport in Kerala will become more attractive, encouraging more people to leave their cars behind and embrace the convenience of KSRTC services.