Eloor to seek return of funds spent on KSRTC’s ‘Gramavandi’ Service

Kochi: Eloor municipal council decided to seek the return of funds provided for the operation of ‘Gramavandi’, the KSRTC bus service functioning within municipality limits, citing failure to operate services on the routes prescribed by the civic body. Municipal officials said the decision was taken after complaints were received that the buses were not conducting trips to underserved regions, especially Manjummel, where private bus services are limited. Gramavandi service was flagged off in May 2023 by former minister and Kalamassery MLA P Rajeeve with the aim of improving last-mile public transport connectivity in Eloor municipality. The municipality currently spends around Rs 90,000 every month on fuel charges for the service. According to municipality chairperson Laiji Sajeevan, the agreement with KSRTC stated that the buses should operate on routes decided by the municipality since the fuel expenses are borne by the local body. However, Sajeevan alleged that the service has not been operating in Manjummel despite the direction given by the local body. Sajeevan added that a meeting would be convened with KSRTC officials to seek an explanation and to decide on the continuation of the contract in the coming years.