The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has announced free travel for cancer patients visiting hospitals, including private hospitals within the State or outside, for treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and other medical follow-ups.

Transport Minister K. B. Ganesh Kumar told the Assembly on Thursday (October 9, 2025) that patients can avail themselves of ticket-free travel by producing a certification from their oncologist and submitting it to the KSRTC bus crew as proof of their medical condition.

He said the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government’s decision was “a sharply differentiated improvement” on the Oommen Chandy government’s declaration in 2012 to subsidise travel for cancer care by 50% of the ticket cost. He said the previous United Democratic Front (UDF) government had limited subsidised travel for cancer patients to city and local buses. 

In contrast, the LDF, Mr. Ganesh Kumar said, has declared travel free for cancer patients travelling on Superfast, Deluxe, and air-conditioned buses, as well as long-distance and inter-State luxury coaches. 

Student concession

Mr. Ganesh Kumar said the KSRTC would launch a mobile phone application enabling students to avail themselves of travel concession in a hassle-free manner. “Moreover, the government has done away with the rule requiring students to renew their concessions every year. Students can request the KSRTC conductor to renew their cards via the digital app during their regular commute”, he said. 

Students from Class 8 to 10 need to renew their concession ticket only after they pass out and enrol in Plus Two courses. The KSRTC will grant a three-year concession card to degree students, he added.

Air-conditioned waiting rooms

Mr. Ganesh Kumar announced air-conditioned waiting rooms for KSRTC passengers, with special facilities for women and children. Surveillance cameras will cover the inside of stage carriages and long-distance services, as well as bus stops and stations, to enhance security. 

He said KSRTC has initiated the process of accrediting hotels and restaurants on long-distance routes. “Long-distance KSRTC buses will stop only at hotels, eateries and restaurants accredited by the public utility”, he said. 

Hotels and restaurants aspiring for KSRTC accreditation should have a minimum of four well-appointed toilets and washrooms, two for women and two for men. “Food safety and hygiene are a priority”, he said. 

New bus stations

Mr. Ganesh Kumar said the government would demolish old and decaying KSRTC depots. “The new design will outmatch that of swanky airports. They would be greenfield structures”, he added. 

He said the KSRTC would contract Sulabh Society, a non-profit, non-governmental organisation, to maintain the upcoming state-of-the-art toilets, washrooms, and cloakrooms in the new KSRTC depots. 

He said the KSRTC would induct new air-conditioned buses into the public utility’s expansive fleet, replace ageing and polluting diesel vehicles, and expand services to mofussil localities in the State, with special emphasis on providing affordable connectivity to marginalised sections of society, including forest tribes.