The United Democratic Front (UDF) government is preparing to roll out a comprehensive transport policy aimed at making mobility safer, more inclusive and efficient, Transport Minister C.P. John has said.

Addressing a ‘Meet the Press’ programme organised by the Thrissur Press Club on Tuesday (July 21, 2026), he said the policy requires some preparatory work but will be implemented soon.

The Minister outlined an ambitious roadmap that ranges from a Road Safety Literacy Mission and school-level safe-driving education to improve safety on roads and emergency trauma care.

“Discussions with various stakeholders have made it clear that time has come for Kerala to launch a Road Safety Literacy Mission,” Mr. John said. With nearly 1.92 crore vehicles on the roads, the State has witnessed a rapid increase in first-time motorists, many of whom lack adequate driving experience, he noted. “It is not always possible to correct road safety violations through laws, punishments and fines alone. We still have to learn to give priority to pedestrians. There should also be swift action when accidents occur,” he said.

Responsible road use

The proposed road safety mission will focus on creating a culture of responsible road use rather than relying solely on enforcement.

As part of the initiative, pre-licence driving education will be introduced in the Plus One and Plus Two curriculum. Students will be familiarised with vehicles and the basics of driving on school campuses before they become eligible for driving licences.

The Minister also stressed the importance of improving emergency medical response. “Doctors point out that accident victims must reach hospitals at the earliest. Many patients suffer further complications because they are not handled properly during emergency transportation,” he said.

The government plans to strengthen ambulance services with the objective of ensuring emergency medical assistance reaches accident sites within 10 to 15 minutes, wherever feasible.

On Priyadarshini scheme

Reacting about UDF government’s Priyadarshini scheme that offers free travel for women on the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses, Mr. John described it as one of the most people-friendly initiatives of the government.

“Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s idea of Priyadarshini has emerged as a flagship programme for women empowerment,” he said.

“For decades, student travel concession remained a political issue. Women’s mobility, however, was never viewed in the same manner. Priyadarshini has changed that perspective,” he said.

He rejected criticism that the scheme will cause a huge financial burden. “It should not be viewed through the prism of profit and loss. It is a women’s development project. In that sense, it is profitable to society,” he said.

Addressing concerns raised by private bus operators, Mr. John said the government had constituted a committee to examine their issues. “A solution will be found very soon,” he said.

On the long-pending redevelopment of the demolished KSRTC bus station in Thrissur, the Minister said a Transport Management Committee headed by Thrissur MLA Rajan J. Pallan had been constituted to expedite the project. Around 940 buses operate through the Thrissur depot every day, making it one of the busiest transport hubs in the State, he said, adding that its redevelopment would receive priority.

The government is also exploring the expansion of inland water transport services wherever feasible as part of its effort to diversify public transport options.

Mr. John acknowledged that KSRTC continues to face significant financial challenges, including outstanding insurance premiums, taxes and toll liabilities. “There are several issues before the KSRTC. The pending insurance, tax and toll dues will be resolved in a phased manner,” he said.

On the controversy surrounding the reported move to prohibit political meetings at Thekkinkadu Maidan in Thrissur, the Minister made his position clear. “Banning political meetings in a public space is itself a political act. I do not support it,” he said.

Published - July 21, 2026 04:27 pm IST