Thiruvananthapuram | Kerala Transport Minister C P John on Thursday said the KSRTC is exploring the possibility of partnering with cooperative societies to run a courier service across the state.
The minister was speaking to reporters after inaugurating the AI-enabled WhatsApp ticketing system and a 24x7 toll-free customer care service (149) for the state-run transport corporation.
John said the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) was being modernised rapidly and the newly launched digital services were aimed at improving passenger convenience.
"The WhatsApp ticketing system is very user-friendly. We have also introduced the toll-free number 149, replacing the earlier long-number helpline. Our target is to answer calls within 12 seconds," he said.
On the proposed courier service, the minister said KSRTC would relaunch the service after an earlier attempt through a private operator from Andhra Pradesh failed.
"The earlier operator failed to pay salaries to employees, defaulted on rent for the premises and could not provide proper services to the public. Therefore, KSRTC is now planning to operate the service directly," he said.
However, John said the mode of operation had not been finalised.
"We are still discussing whether KSRTC should independently venture into this new domain and whether it aligns with our core competence. A final decision will be taken after detailed discussions," he said.
The minister said the government was also considering using the state's cooperative network to make parcel delivery more accessible.
"I intend to discuss with the Cooperation Minister the possibility of using cooperative societies as collection and delivery centres. If the proposal materialises, people may be able to send and receive lightweight parcels through nearby cooperative society counters instead of travelling to distant KSRTC depots," he said.
Replying to a question on the future of the KSRTC medical centre, John said no decision had been taken yet.
"It requires additional funding. Once started, it has to function efficiently and properly. We are examining the matter before taking a final decision," he said.
Asked about vehicle modification norms after the Centre clarified its policy, the minister said the state would act strictly within the legal framework.
"We will do whatever is legally permissible for the state. A government cannot act illegally," he said.
