Eco-friendly: Transport Minister A.K. Saseendran flags off the KSRTC electric bus trial service in Kozhikode on Thursda | Photo Credit: hand out more-in The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), on Thursday, started the trial service of its electric bus in Kozhikode after successful trials in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi. Transport Minister A.K. Saseendran flagged off the service at a function attended by people’s representatives and officials near the KSRTC terminal in the city. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Saseendran said the experimental services conducted in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi were found successful in the preliminary review. On completion of five days of trial run in Kozhikode district, experts would review the performance at different levels. The Minister pointed out that the electric bus service was a promise made by the government to reduce pollution in cities. The assurance was given by the government soon after an order issued by the National Green Tribunal to check vehicle pollution, he recalled. On efforts to promote KSRTC bus service using Compressed Natural Gas, the Minister said the first project lunched in Kochi was a success. “We have been getting warm support from the employees for such productive ventures. The Kozhikode unit too has improved its daily revenue under a drive,” he said. A. Pradeepkumar, MLA, presided over the function. Later, the Minister along with the people’s representatives took a ride to Beypore on the electric bus. The trial service would be conducted to Kunnamangalam, Balussery, Koyilandy, Ramanattukara, and Adivaram. KSRTC officials said nearly 14 services would be run daily on select routes till July 2. The bus with features such as GPS, CCTV and entertainment options would be a novel experience for the commuters, they added.

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