Less than two weeks after the Kerala government introduced free bus travel for women on KSRTC’s Priyadarshini services, private bus operators in Idukki say they are facing a serious financial crisis, with nearly 250 bus services now at risk of being suspended.
According to the Private Bus Operators Association in Idukki, a sharp decline in passenger numbers has followed the launch of the scheme, as many women who previously travelled on private buses are now opting for the free KSRTC services.
To cope with the mounting losses, bus owners are preparing to submit G-Forms, a provision that allows operators to temporarily withdraw buses from service after giving prior notice to transport authorities. If approved, around 250 buses could be taken off the roads for a fixed period.
Idukki currently has around 2,000 private buses operating on various routes. Operators estimate that more than half of these services have witnessed a significant drop in ridership, with nearly 60 per cent reportedly operating at a loss since the Priyadarshini scheme came into effect.
As Gold 101.3FM, UAE’s No.1 radio station, reports, bus owners say the impact has been particularly severe on routes where KSRTC operates frequent Priyadarshini services. The Ernakulam–Munnar corridor, one of the busiest tourist and commuter routes in the district, has been among the worst affected, with private buses reportedly losing a large share of passengers.
Other routes experiencing declining occupancy include Thodupuzha–Vannappuram–Cheruthoni, Rajakkad–Nedumkandam, Kumily–Ernakulam, Kumily–Kottayam, Adimali–Munnar and Cheruthoni–Adimali.
Operators claim that several buses now begin their journeys with just 10 to 15 passengers, making it increasingly difficult to recover operating costs. They estimate daily losses of ₹3,000 to ₹4,000 per vehicle, despite the state government’s decision to reduce motor vehicle tax by 50 per cent.
According to the association, the tax concession provides only limited relief, as the sharp fall in passenger revenue continues to widen the gap between operating costs and earnings.
The Private Bus Operators Association is expected to hold an emergency meeting in the coming days to decide whether to proceed with the proposed suspension of services.
Private operators have also raised concerns over interstate bus operations. They point out that women continue to enjoy free travel on Kerala’s Priyadarshini buses even after they enter neighbouring Tamil Nadu, with the Munnar depot operating four such interstate services, in addition to similar services from Kumily.
Bus owners argue that this places private operators at a greater disadvantage, noting that women travelling on Tamil Nadu government buses do not receive free travel benefits once those buses cross into Kerala. They say the disparity has further intensified the challenges already facing the private bus sector.
