TRAVANCORE STATE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT (TSTD) TO KERALA STATE ROAD TRANSPORT CORPORATION (KSRTC) HISTORY
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THE ORIGINS
AND ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TRAVANCORE STATE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT (TSTD):
The
Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) traces its origins to the
Travancore State Transport Department (TSTD), which was officially established
on February 20, 1938, during the reign of Maharaja Chithira Thirunal Balarama
Varma. At the time, Travancore was a princely state under British paramountcy,
known for its progressive administration and forward-thinking policies. The
TSTD was founded with the vision of modernizing public transportation and
providing an organized road transport system for the people of Travancore. Prior
to the establishment of TSTD, road transport in the region was unorganized,
with private operators running services that lacked regulation, safety
measures, and reliability. The government recognized the necessity of a
structured system and took decisive steps to implement state-run
transportation, thereby ensuring better connectivity across cities and
villages.
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The first fleet of the
Travancore State Transport Department comprised 60 Commer PNF3 chassis imported
from England, each powered by Perkins Lynx diesel engines. These vehicles were
assembled locally under the supervision of E.G. Salter, Assistant Operating
Superintendent of the London Passenger Transport Board, who played a crucial
role in establishing the transport department. The bus bodies were constructed
using locally sourced high-quality wood, following the directives of Dewan C.P.
Ramaswami Iyer, the prime minister of Travancore at the time. The inaugural bus
service was flagged off on February 21, 1938, operating between
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) and Kanyakumari, marking the beginning of
organized state-run bus services in India. This initiative was revolutionary,
as it not only improved mobility for the general population but also
facilitated trade, commerce, and socio-economic integration across the region.
The TSTD soon expanded its operations, introducing new routes, increasing the
number of buses, and ensuring that remote villages had access to public
transportation, which was previously a privilege of urban dwellers. The
infrastructure improvements were accompanied by the establishment of bus
depots, maintenance workshops, and administrative offices, all of which
contributed to the efficiency of the service.
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TRAVANCORE'S
PROGRESSIVE GOVERNANCE AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT:
The establishment of the
Travancore State Transport Department was just one of the many progressive
reforms undertaken by the Travancore government under Maharaja Chithira
Thirunal Balarama Varma. His rule, from 1931 to 1949, was marked by numerous
social, economic, and political reforms that positioned Travancore as one of
the most developed princely states in British India. One of the most
significant reforms introduced during his tenure was the Temple Entry
Proclamation in 1936, which allowed people from all castes to enter Hindu
temples. This was a groundbreaking decision that challenged the deep-rooted
caste-based discrimination prevalent in society and set a precedent for social
inclusivity in India. The Travancore government was also known for its emphasis
on education, healthcare, and industrial development. Investments were made in
establishing modern schools, colleges, and hospitals, making Travancore one of
the first states to achieve remarkable progress in literacy and public health.
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Alongside social reforms,
Travancore also focused on infrastructural developments, particularly in the
areas of transportation, power generation, and urban planning. The government
built extensive road networks that connected major cities such as
Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Kottayam, as well as rural areas that had
previously been isolated. Bridges were constructed to facilitate better
connectivity, and modern traffic management systems were introduced to regulate
urban transportation. The introduction of the TSTD was a crucial component of
this infrastructure expansion, as it ensured that people from all economic
backgrounds could access affordable and reliable transportation. Additionally,
Travancore was among the earliest princely states to invest in hydroelectric
power projects, leading to the establishment of the Pallivasal Hydroelectric
Project in 1940, which played a vital role in electrifying the state and
supporting industrial growth. These initiatives not only improved the standard
of living for residents but also attracted investments and economic
opportunities, further solidifying Travancore’s reputation as a progressive and
well-administered state.
THE TRANSITION
FROM TSTD TO KSRTC AND ITS MODERN EVOLUTION:
With India's independence in 1947, the political landscape underwent significant changes. The princely state of Travancore was merged with Cochin to form the Travancore-Cochin state on July 1, 1949. This newly formed entity later became part of Kerala when the state was officially created on November 1, 1956, through the States Reorganization Act. As part of the transition to a democratic governance structure, various state-run institutions, including the Travancore State Transport Department, were restructured to align with national policies. The Indian government introduced the Road Transport Corporation Act in 1950, which provided a legal framework for states to establish their own transport corporations. In response to this, the government of Kerala decided to transform the TSTD into a full-fledged corporation, leading to the establishment of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) on April 1, 1965. This transition was aimed at enhancing efficiency, expanding services, and adopting modern operational practices.
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Under KSRTC, the public transportation system witnessed significant improvements, including the introduction of new buses, better road infrastructure, and improved operational standards. The corporation expanded its services to cover all districts of Kerala, ensuring that even remote regions had access to public transport. Newer models of buses were introduced, including long-distance, luxury, and low-floor city buses, catering to a diverse range of passengers. The introduction of computerized ticketing, GPS tracking, and online booking systems further modernized the KSRTC operations, making them more efficient and passenger-friendly. Despite challenges such as financial constraints and competition from private bus operators, KSRTC continues to play a crucial role in Kerala’s transportation sector, serving millions of passengers daily and contributing to the state’s economic and social development. Today, KSRTC stands as one of the oldest and most resilient state-run public transport organizations in India, carrying forward the legacy of the Travancore State Transport Department while continuously evolving to meet the needs of the modern era.
KSRTC, OFFICE OF MANAGING DIRECTOR,
TRANSPORT BHAVAN, FORT, TRIVANDRUM,
KERALA, INDIA, Pin#: 695023
HELPLINE ONLINE RESERVATION
TOLL FREE NUMBER: 1800-599-4011
0471 – 2463799, +91
9447071021
rsnksrtc@kerala.gov.in (ONLINE
RESERVATION)
CUSTOMER RELATIONS
occ.ksrtc@kerala.gov.in (GENERAL
ENQUIRY)
SOCIAL MEDIA CELL#
+91 9497722205
WEBSITE: www.https://www.keralartc.com
KSRTC BUS STATIONS ENQUIRY 24 X 7
OFFICE CONTACT# MAIL
ID
ADOOR 0473-4224764
adr@kerala.gov.in
ALAPPUZHA 0477-2252501
alp@kerala.gov.in
ALUVA 0484-2624242
alv@kerala.gov.in
ANAYARA 0471-2749400
anr.ksrtc@kerala.gov.in
ANKAMALI 0484-2453050
ank@kerala.gov.in
ARYANAD 0472-2853900
ard@kerala.gov.in
ARYANKAVU 0475-2211300
ark@kerala.gov.in
ATTINGAL 0470-2622202
atl@kerala.gov.in
BANGALORE 0802-6756666
bng.ksrtc@kerala.gov.in
CHADAYAMANGALAM 0474-2476200 cdm@kerala.gov.in
CHALAKUDY 0480-2701638
cld@kerala.gov.in
CHANGANASSERY 0481-2420245 chr@kerala.gov.in
CHATHANNUR 0474-2592900
cht@kerala.gov.in
CHENGANOOR 0479-2452352
cgr@kerala.gov.in
CHERTHALA 0478-2812582
ctl@kerala.gov.in
CHITOOR 0492-3227488
ctr@kerala.gov.in
EDATHUVA 0477-2215400
edt@kerala.gov.in
EENCHAKKAL 0471-2501180
ekl@kerala.gov.in
EERATTUPETTAH 0482-2272230 etp@kerala.gov.in
ERNAKULAM 0484-2372033
ekm@kerala.gov.in
ERUMELY 0482-8212345
emy@kerala.gov.in
GURUVAYOOR 0487-2556450
gvr@kerala.gov.in
HARIPPAD 0479-2412620
hpd@kerala.gov.in
IRINJALAKKUDA 0480-2823990 ijk@kerala.gov.in
KALPETTA 0493-6202611
kpt@kerala.gov.in
KANHANGAD 0467-2200055
khd@kerala.gov.in
KANIYAPURAM 0471-2752533 kpm@kerala.gov.in
KANNUR 0497-2707777
knr@kerala.gov.in
KARUNAGAPALLY 0476-2620466 knp@kerala.gov.in
KASARAGOD 0499-4230677
kgd@kerala.gov.in
KATTAKADA 0471-2290381
ktd@kerala.gov.in
KATTAPPANA 0486-8252333
ktp@kerala.gov.in
KAYAMKULAM 0479-2442022
kym@kerala.gov.in
KILIMANOOR 0470-2672217
kmr@kerala.gov.in
KODUNGALOOR 0480-2803155 kdr@kerala.gov.in
KOLLAM 0474-2752008
klm@kerala.gov.in
KONNI 0468-2244555
kni@kerala.gov.in
KOOTHATTUKULAM 0485-2253444 kkm@kerala.gov.in
KOTHAMANGALAM 0485-2862202 kmg@kerala.gov.in
KOTTARAKKARA 0474-2452622 ktr@kerala.gov.in
KOTTAYAM 0481-2562908
ktm@kerala.gov.in
KOZHIKODE 0495-2723796
kkd@kerala.gov.in
KULATHUPUZHA 0475-2318777 klp@kerala.gov.in
KUMALY 0486-9224242
kmy@kerala.gov.in
MALA 0480-2890438
mla@kerala.gov.in
MALAPPURAM 0483-2734950
mlp@kerala.gov.in
MALLAPALLY 0469-2785080
mpy@kerala.gov.in
MANANTHAVADY 0493-5240640 mnd@kerala.gov.in
MANNARGHAT 0492-4225150
mkd@kerala.gov.in
MAVELIKARA 0479-2302282
mvk@kerala.gov.in
MOOLAMATTOM 0486-2252045 mlt@kerala.gov.in
MOOVATTUPUZHA 0485-2832321 mvp@kerala.gov.in
MUNNAR 0486-5230201
mnr@kerala.gov.in
NEDUMANGAD 0472-2812235
ndd@kerala.gov.in
NEDUMKANDAM 04868-234533 ndm.ksrtc@kerala.gov.in
NEYYATINKARA 0471-2222243 nta@kerala.gov.in
NILAMBUR 04931-223929
nbr@kerala.gov.in
NORTH PARAVUR 0484-2442373 npr@kerala.gov.in
PALA 0482-2212250
pla@kerala.gov.in
PALAKKAD 0491-2520098
plk@kerala.gov.in
PALODE 0472-2840259
pld@kerala.gov.in
PAMBA 0473-5203445
sopba@kerala.gov.in
PANDALAM 0473-4255800
pdm@kerala.gov.in
PAPPANAMCODE 0471-2494002 ppd@kerala.gov.in
PARASSALA 0471-2202058
psl@kerala.gov.in
PATHANAMTHITTA 0468-2222366 pta@kerala.gov.in
PATHANAPURAM 0475-2354010 ppm@kerala.gov.in
PAYYANUR 0498-5203062
pnr@kerala.gov.in
PERINTHAMANNA 0493-3227342 pmn@kerala.gov.in
PEROORKADA 0471-2433683
prk@kerala.gov.in
PERUMBAVOOR 0484-2523416 pbr@kerala.gov.in
PIRAVOM 0485-2265533
pvm@kerala.gov.in
PONKUNNAM 0482-8221333
pnk@kerala.gov.in
PONNANI 0494-2666396
pni@kerala.gov.in
POOVAR 0471-2210047
pvr@kerala.gov.in
PUNALUR 0475-2222626
plr@kerala.gov.in
PUTHUKKADU 0480-2751648
pdk@kerala.gov.in
RANNI 04735-225253
rni@kerala.gov.in
SULTHAN BATHERY 0493-6220217 sby@kerala.gov.in
THALASSERY 0490-2343333
tly@kerala.gov.in
THAMARASSERY 0495-2222217 tsy@kerala.gov.in
THIRUVALLA 0469-2602945
tvl@kerala.gov.in
THIRUVAMBADY 0495-2254500 tdy@kerala.gov.in
THODUPUZHA 0486-2222388
tdp@kerala.gov.in
THOTTILPALAM 0496-2566200 tpm@kerala.gov.in
THRISSUR 0487-2421150
tsr@kerala.gov.in
TVM CENTRAL 0471-2323886 tvm@kerala.gov.in
TVM CITY 0471-2575495
cty@kerala.gov.in
VADAKARA 0496-2523377
vka@kerala.gov.in
VADAKKANCHERY 0492-2255001 vdk@kerala.gov.in
VAIKOM 0482-9231210
vkm@kerala.gov.in
VELLANAD 0472-2884686
vnd@kerala.gov.in
VELLARADA 0471-2242029
vrd@kerala.gov.in
VENJARAMOODU 0472-2874141 vjd@kerala.gov.in
VIKASBHAVAN 0471-2307890 vkb@kerala.gov.in
VITHURA 0472-2858686
vtr@kerala.gov.in
VIZHINJAM 0471-2481365 vzm@kerala.gov.in
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