Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V V Rajesh has launched a strong critique against the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) for allegedly operating electric buses, received under the central government's Smart City project, outside the designated city corporation area. The mayor has demanded the immediate return of these buses to their intended operational zone.
Electric Buses Diverted Despite Clear Contract
The city corporation had received a fleet of 113 electric buses from the Centre specifically under the Smart City initiative. Mayor Rajesh asserted that these vehicles should operate exclusively within the Thiruvananthapuram city limits. He expressed frustration that the buses are being used for services in areas outside the corporation, such as Neyyattinkara, due to alleged political pressure.
"The e-buses should only operate within city limits and they should be brought back immediately," stated Rajesh. He emphasized that no one had the authority to alter the contract under which the buses were provided solely to the Thiruvananthapuram corporation. The mayor warned that the contract documents with KSRTC would be thoroughly reviewed, and the corporation must receive its rightful share of profits generated from the bus operations.
Parallel Probe into Corporation Building Rental Scandal
In a separate but significant development, the city corporation has decided to initiate a comprehensive investigation into major irregularities concerning the rental of its buildings and commercial shops to private entities. This decision comes after Mayor Rajesh adopted a conciliatory approach following a dispute between councillor R Sreelekha and MLA V K Prashanth regarding a corporation building office.
The preliminary findings have revealed shocking details. It was discovered that many corporation-owned buildings and shops have been subjected to unauthorized transfers. These transfers occurred for substantial amounts of money, and the current occupants are not the original allottees. In some cases, commercial establishments have been transferred across generations without proper authorization.
"Shops were transferred for as low as Rs 250 per month. According to the findings, these are being sublet for significant amounts, earning lakhs," the mayor revealed. He questioned how such low rental rates were sanctioned and demanded that Corporation Secretary Jahamgeer S present all related documents for scrutiny.
Corporation Takes a Firm Stand
The Thiruvananthapuram Corporation is now moving forward decisively on both fronts. Regarding the electric buses, the stance is clear: retrieve the assets meant for the city's residents. For the rental irregularities, the corporation has resolved to reclaim all properties involved in unauthorized transfers.
Mayor Rajesh stressed that the issue of building rentals should not be politicized. He assured that necessary checks and a thorough examination of all rental documents would be conducted to ensure transparency and accountability. The dual actions signal a push for stricter adherence to contracts and proper management of public resources in the state capital.
