Thiruvananthapuram | The state-run KSRTC will launch a pilot women-only 'Pink Bus' night service from Thursday to ensure safer travel for women, Transport Minister C P John said.

The state-level launch of the service, introduced in major state routes as part of the UDF government's 100-day action plan, will be held at the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) Central Depot here, the minister said in a statement on Wednesday.

Initially, the service will operate on the Technopark route, covering key locations, including East Fort, Thampanoor, Pattom, Medical College, RCC, Ulloor, Kazhakkoottam, Technopark, Infosys, Lulu Mall and KIMS Hospital, it said.

According to the government, the service is aimed at benefiting women travelling at night, including IT employees returning from late shifts, hospital staff and patients arriving by train at Thampanoor, and those returning home after late-night outings.

The minister said the decision also took into account a representation submitted by the organisation 'Prathidhwani', which had sought better late-night public transport for IT professionals working night shifts.

KSRTC has earmarked its latest fast passenger buses from the Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam depots for the pilot service.

The corporation is also considering introducing online reservation and electric buses in future to improve the service and enhance revenue, the minister said in the statement.