Privatise KSRTC

Recently Government of Kerala have decided to write off Rs. 1070 Cr (US$ 229 Mn ) debt of KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation).  I have earlier written an article about revenue loss of KSRTC and how private operators are making money.

The problem with KSRTC,

• There is no proper Time Management.

If I wish to travel somewhere, I cannot plan. Because only God knows which vehicle will come at what time? The first thing KSRTC should do is regularize their trips with proper time management. They have a plan for GPS enabled buses. Ridiculous, how can KSRTC expect common man to have GPS device to locate KSRTC bus?

•  There is no complaint redressal system.

I have sent complaints about misbehaviour of conductors, bus did not halt at stops, etc etc to MD of KSRTC, Transport Minister, but there were no reply, no result. Even conductors challenge to go and complain. They know nothing will happen to them. If anything comes, they have a ‘tool’-strike. 

• There is no identification system.

If I have conflict with any conductor, how can I complain against him? There is no identification system. In Mumbai, you will find an ID number for every Conductor. You can take that number and give a complaint. You will surely get a call back to find the exact reason.

•  Halt at main junctions

If you are travelling in night, may be after 8 pm, why don’t they stop at important junctions? If you travel in private buses, even long running buses will stop wherever you wish to get down. After 8 pm there are no local services in many areas. But these people will never understand and stop. 

• Not customer friendly

Most of the conductors are not customer friendly, they believe travellers are not required; it is a burden for them. They will get their salary until common man keep on paying taxes. So, least bothered about customer.

•  Vehicles are not maintained properly

It should be the responsibility of Driver and Conductor to look after bus properly; they are not doing it now, that is why there are so many break downs. Wastage of time.

When you keep these all things in mind, one should definitely think why government write off Rs.1070 Crores (US$ 229 Mn), there are some amount comes as Government’s share in KSRTC. Why should Government take share in loss making company? Why common mans’ money be spent on. Why should common mans’ money used to pay wages for the people those who are least bothered about common man?

There is ONE answer, Privatise KSRTC if they are unable to get money at least for their wages, and operations. Profitability comes second only.

Government should convey a strong decision to make it profitable, all wages should be based on performance, and improve the quality of service.

There should be a law to privatise all the loss making Public Service Undertakings.

General Topics Kerala State Road Transport Corporation, Privatise KSRTC, privatise loss making Public Service Undertakings, write off Rs. 1070 Cr (US$ 229 Mn ) debt of KSRTC