A fresh political controversy has erupted in Kerala's capital over the operation of new electric buses, pitting the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) against the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The flashpoint is a decision by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) to run these buses on routes extending beyond the city's municipal limits.
Mayor's Objection Sparks Political Row
Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V V Rajesh, a BJP leader, has formally raised an objection to the current operational plan. He contends that the KSRTC is operating the new electric buses outside the Thiruvananthapuram city corporation limits. This, according to the Mayor, is depriving many city residents of the benefits of the modern fleet.
Mayor Rajesh argues that a significant number of people living in the city's outskirts are facing severe travel difficulties. He insists that the newly introduced buses should be primarily deployed to alleviate the commuting woes of these residents. His statement, made on 31 December 2025, has drawn a sharp reaction from the CPM-led corporation and state government, setting the stage for a heated exchange.
The Core of the Dispute: Route Allocation and Public Benefit
The heart of the disagreement lies in the allocation of resources and the definition of public benefit. While the KSRTC, a state-run entity, plans routes based on broader regional connectivity and efficiency, the city Mayor is advocating for a more localized approach. He emphasizes that the primary purpose of introducing these eco-friendly buses should be to serve the immediate urban and peri-urban population grappling with daily transport challenges.
The political undertones are unmistakable, with the BJP using the issue to highlight alleged neglect of the city's needs by the state's LDF administration. The CPM, on the other hand, is likely to defend the KSRTC's operational autonomy and its wider network strategy for the greater Thiruvananthapuram district.
Implications and What Lies Ahead
This spat over e-buses in Thiruvananthapuram underscores the often-contentious interplay between local civic bodies and state-run transport utilities. The outcome could influence how future public transport projects are rolled out in the city. Key questions now being asked include:
- Will the KSRTC reconsider its route plan for the electric buses?
- How will the state government mediate between the city corporation's demands and the transport corporation's schedule?
- What does this mean for the commuting public awaiting reliable and green transport options?
As reported by Arjun Raghunath, the issue remains unresolved, with citizens caught in the crossfire of this BJP-CPM political spat. The development is being closely watched as a test case for urban transport governance and political one-upmanship in Kerala.
