Crew of KSRTC's SWIFT bus involved in accident on first day of service removed from duty

Thiruvananthapuram: The crew of the bus involved in the crash of KSRTC's much-touted SWIFT service were removed from duty on Wednesday.

The decision was taken following an assessment by the Corporation's internal committee which concluded that the drivers were indeed at fault for the accident.

The K-SWIFT bus collided with a lorry at Kallambalam in the capital city on Tuesday. The side mirror of the brand new bus was smashed and the front side of the vehicle suffered minor damages.

Though the side mirror was replaced quickly and service resumed, the incident stole the thunder that otherwise could've been KSRTC's.

The fact that the accident happened on the very first day of the service also cast the debt-ridden state transport corporation in poor light.

Both the accidents occurred within 24 hours of the services being flagged off by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan with much fanfare.

The matter got worse still when Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) Chairman and Managing Director Biju Prabhakar alleged that the accident was part of a foul play by rogue parties.

"New KSRTC buses have met with accidents in the past as well. We need to examine whether a private lobby is behind this," Prabhakar said. He also stated that he would file a complaint with the DGP.

The buses run by KSRTC-SWIFT, the new wing of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) exclusively for long-distance services, were launched on Monday (April 11).

KSRTC's special services for Easter and Vishu

Considering the heavy rush in view of the upcoming Vishu and Easter festivals, the KSRTC is planning to operate more services from Bengaluru to Kerala this week.

Apart from the ordinary services, 34 super-class buses will be deployed during the holidays.

Tickets are available through online reservation till April 18.

Additional long-distance and short-distance services will be operated on the main routes depending on the rush of passengers on April 12, 13 and on April 17 and 18.

Reservation can be done on the website www.online.keralartc.com and through “Ente KSRTC” mobile app.