Kerala: Minnal' services to outdo trains

Kochi: The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) would soon deploy ‘Minnal’ services among various categories starting from Fast Passenger onwards to facilitate quick travel of commuters between major cities during night. The services are being scheduled in such a manner that the passengers can reach destinations faster than the train services and there will be no additional charge for the type of buses.

“For instance, the distance from Ernakulam to Thiruvananthapuram will be covered in three-and-a half hours. There will be limited stops – Alapuzha and Kollam. A total of 205 new buses will be rolled out in various categories starting from Fast Passenger class for operating the ‘Minnal’ services. While ‘FP Minnal’ will be for short distance, the Super Deluxe and Super Express class ‘Minnal’ will be used for long haul services,” said a senior KSRTC official. The ticket fares will be same as the category of services – FP, Super Fast and Super Deluxe, and the online reservation facility will be there for all ‘Minnal’ services.

“The services are expected to be rolled out in a month since the registration process of the new buses is pending. The buses will have air suspension and push-back seat facilities for comfortable night journeys,” the official said. However, a section of employees are opposing the new initiative that comes in the wake of ‘Silver Jet Line’ services failing to evoke responses from commuters. “The drivers will be put under immense pressure and there are chances for mishaps,” a driver said on the condition of anonymity.