THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After the successful trial run of KSRTC electric buses, the state government has decided to operate the buses on longer routes. The trial run was conducted on the Nilackal – Pamba route as Sabarimala special service during the pilgrimage season for 43 days from November 17.After state government approved a comprehensive e-vehicle policy, KSRTC bought these AC buses on lease for ten years. The cost of each bus is Rs 2.5 crore.Five electric buses were put into service by KSRTC during the Sabarimala season. The buses completed a total of 1,940 trips, covering a distance of 77,704 km (average distance of 360 km per) day till January 9.The electric buses needed 1.03unit electricity per kilometre. On an average, the buses generated Rs 110/km in revenue, and made Rs 57/km in profit.Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has termed the trial run of electric buses successful. “The service was also able to generate a profit of Rs 57 per km. While the per km fuel cost of a diesel bus is Rs 31, the electric bus costs only Rs 6,” stated Vijayan on his social media page.According to a KSRTC official, electric buses will be operated in Thiruvananthapuram , Kochi and Kozhikode cities.“A charging station for e-buses has been already set up in Central Works, Thiruvananthapuram. After the charging stations are arranged new schedules of the buses will be decided,” said the official.

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