Despite operating a daily fleet of 4,000–4,500 buses, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has insurance coverage for only 1,900 vehicles, including all 444 Swift buses. With over 1,500 additional buses uninsured, the management cites the high cost of insurance premiums as the primary reason for non-compliance.
KSRTC Bypasses Insurance Norms Using Legal Exemption, Faces Rising Legal Costs
KSRTC relies on legal protection available to government institutions, specifically under Section 146(3)(C) of the Motor Vehicles Act, which exempts certain government-owned vehicles from mandatory insurance. As a result, KSRTC buses involved in accidents are released without the usual legal restrictions, unlike private vehicles, which face seizure, fines, and even imprisonment under Sections 146 and 196 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and KMVR 391A.
In the event of accidents involving uninsured KSRTC buses, the corporation is liable to pay court-ordered compensation for injuries or fatalities. While it frequently appeals these rulings in higher courts, KSRTC still incurs substantial annual legal costs.
Double Standards in Vehicle Insurance Spark Concerns Over Passenger Safety
Police are instructed not to release uninsured private vehicles involved in accidents, but KSRTC buses continue operating due to their government status. Transport Commissioner H. Nagaraju has clarified that uninsured operation by private vehicles is a punishable offense, mandating police to report such cases and include them in charge sheets.
The situation raises serious questions about the double standards in enforcement and the safety risks posed to passengers traveling in uninsured government buses. Legal exemptions aside, critics argue that passenger welfare should not be compromised for cost-cutting reasons.
Summary:
KSRTC operates over 1,500 uninsured buses, citing high premiums and legal exemptions under the Motor Vehicles Act. Unlike private vehicles, KSRTC buses avoid penalties despite accidents. Critics highlight double standards and rising legal costs, warning that passenger safety is being compromised for financial convenience under the guise of government protection.
