Archive · 1 Jan 2026
Kerala Political Dispute Over Smart City Electric Buses
There is a big argument in Kerala about electric buses.
The mayor says the buses meant for the city are being used in other places, which is not fair.
The transport minister says the mayor is wrong and the buses can be used anywhere in the state.
The mayor wants to follow the original agreement, but the minister says the agreement allows for the buses to be used statewide.
Both sides are not backing down, and this fight might get worse before the next elections.
Mayor VV Rajesh accuses KSRTC of violating the Smart City agreement by deploying e-buses outside corporation limits.
Transport Minister KB Ganesh Kumar argues the mayor misunderstood the agreement and that the e-bus project operates on a joint funding model.
The mayor insists the agreement entitles the corporation to a role in route planning and a share of profits.
The minister challenges the mayor to send formal requests in writing and asserts KSRTC can redeploy all e-buses to city routes within 24 hours if directed.
The dispute adds to a widening political rift in the corporation, with Assembly elections nearing and local body elections due in April–May 2026.
- Who
- BJP-led Thiruvananthapuram Corporation and LDF-led state government
- What
- Dispute over the operation of 113 Smart City electric buses
- When
- Ongoing, with potential escalation before local body elections in April–May 2026
- Where
- Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
- Why
- Disagreement over the interpretation and implementation of the Smart City agreement
- Number of Buses
- 113
- Funding Model
- Joint funding by Centre, state, and corporation
- State's Share of Cost
- More than 60%
- Mayor's Name
- VV Rajesh
- Transport Minister's Name
- KB Ganesh Kumar
- Agency Responsible for Operations
- KSRTC-SWIFT
- Mayor's Role
- Chairs advisory committee
- Minister's Challenge
- Deploy 150 additional buses if needed