Thiruvananthapuram | The state-run KSRTC has, "for the first time", received Rs 40 lakh from a private individual to purchase a bus, officials said on Wednesday.

Angamaly-based Jose handed over a cheque for Rs 40 lakh to Chief Minister V D Satheesan at his chamber here on Wednesday.

Satheesan received the cheque and handed it over to Transport Minister C P John, expressing hope that the gesture would mark a good beginning and encourage more individuals and institutions to sponsor buses for the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation.

Higher Education Minister Roji M John said Jose's decision was a model for others to follow.

Jose, a resident of Mookkannur in Angamaly, runs a company in the same constituency, which is represented by the Higher Education minister.

He decided to sponsor a bus after hearing the CM's appeal for people to come forward to support the KSRTC and first informed John of his decision.

Jose's only request was that the bus sponsored by him should operate from the Angamaly depot.

He requested that the bus operate on a route connecting the Athirappilly tourism area with the southern part of the state.

John assured him that a service would be operated on the suggested route.

The Transport minister said the government hoped more people would come forward with similar gestures following the Calicut City Cooperative Bank's recent contribution towards purchasing a bus for the KSRTC.

The cheque handed over by Jose was subsequently given by the Transport minister to KSRTC CMD P S Pramoj Shankar.

As part of the government's 100-day action plan, the KSRTC has opened an opportunity for sponsors to provide buses to improve public transport facilities, the statement said.

Local self-government institutions, cooperative institutions, companies, trusts, voluntary organisations and CSR funds can also be used to provide buses, the Transport minister said.