Kerala panel calls for industry status for private bus operators

An expert committee constituted by the Kerala government has recommended that the private bus transport sector be formally recognised as an industry under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) category. The panel was chaired by K. Padmakumar, a former Transport Commissioner and retired IPS officer.

The recommendation follows the high-profile Priyadarshini incident, which has prompted a broader review of road-safety and regulatory frameworks governing passenger transport in the state.

The committee argues that according industry status would allow private bus operators to avail bank loans, technical assistance, and financial support earmarked for fleet modernisation. Such benefits are currently out of reach for the sector, which operates largely outside formal industrial classifications.

If accepted, the move could ease capital constraints for operators looking to upgrade ageing vehicles and adopt safer, cleaner technologies. The recommendation is now expected to be examined by the state government for possible implementation.