T’puram: Transport minister C P John said that the bus refurbishment programme being carried out under the state govt’s 100-day initiative would bring financial benefits to KSRTC.Speaking after flagging off 14 buses refurbished in the first phase of the project at the Thiruvananthapuram city depot, John said that the amount needed to buy one new bus could instead be used to repair and return 10 buses to service.The average refurbishment cost is about Rs 2.5 lakh for deluxe category buses and around Rs 1.5 lakh for buses in other categories such as fast passenger, super-fast passenger and budget tourism cell buses, he added.The work includes improving the interior and exterior appearance of the buses, while also inspecting and repairing mechanical and electrical systems, seats, lighting, flooring, windows, and other components.John said the speedy completion of the first phase was made possible by the hard work of skilled mechanical staff, workers and trade unions, and he praised them for their efforts.Refurbishment is currently under way at five KSRTC workshops.“The project covers 26 super class buses, 52 fast passengers and super-fast buses, and 22 ordinary buses. At present, buses in the BS-III and BS-IV categories that have exceeded their service period but remain technically fit for reuse are being refurbished. Engine performance is being checked, and only those requiring it are being reconditioned. Test results show that pollution levels in such buses have dropped by 80 to 85%.The minister said the scheme would make it possible to keep older buses with good technical standards in service for a longer time and to use the existing fleet more efficiently alongside the purchase of new buses.KSRTC will refurbish buses under its project Surya, he added.John also distributed certificates to the mechanical department staff who refurbished the buses.
