Thiruvananthapuram | Keralam Minister C P John on Friday announced plans for the KSRTC to operate privately owned buses under a wet-lease arrangement to help ease the crisis in the private bus sector.

Under the arrangement, buses would be hired along with their drivers, maintenance and other operational support from private owners, while the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation would operate the services, sources said.

The state Transport minister assured that steps would be taken to recognise the bus service sector as an industry, according to a statement issued by his office after a meeting with representatives of the Keralam State Private Bus Operators Federation here.

The meeting comes ahead of an indefinite strike announced by private bus operators from November 3, who have accused the government of failing to address their financial losses following the launch of the KSRTC's Priyadarshini service, which offers free travel to women and transgender persons on ordinary buses.

John said the recommendations of the Padmakumar Commission on extending the operational lifespan of buses would be implemented in accordance with the law.

The meeting decided to remove existing technical hurdles that prevent bus owners from legally transferring their permits and services to others.

A permanent committee, comprising representatives of private bus owners' organisations, would be constituted to discuss the sector's problems and ensure regular communication between operators and the government, the minister said.

Transport Secretary D Balamurali, Transport Commissioner Sparjan Kumar and office-bearers of the Keralam State Private Bus Operators Federation attended the meeting.