Angamaly-based industrialist K T Jose has donated Rs 40 lakh to help the cash-strapped Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buy a new bus.
The contribution is the first of its kind from an individual and comes at a time when KSRTC has been relying on private buses on a wet-lease basis to keep services running smoothly.
Jose handed over the cheque to Chief Minister V D Satheesan at the CM’s chamber on Wednesday. Satheesan later handed the amount to Transport Minister C P John and praised Jose’s gesture. He also expressed hope that more individuals and organisations would come forward to support KSRTC.
Higher Education Minister Roji M John also described the contribution as an example of civic responsibility. He said such a model could be followed by others and would support KSRTC as it expands the Priyadarshini free ride scheme for women.
Jose said he decided to make the contribution after the Chief Minister publicly appealed to people to support the state transport corporation.
However, he placed one condition on the donation. The new bus should operate from the Angamaly depot and run on a route connecting Angamaly with the Athirappilly tourism destination.
Transport Minister C P John said KSRTC would honour Jose’s request. He also noted that Calicut City Cooperative Bank had earlier donated a vehicle to the corporation.
Jose’s company specialises in robotic car parking systems and has developed the facility being offered by Kochi Metro Rail Ltd at Vadakkekotta.
