Modifications to double-decker bus in Munnar made with govt. permission, KSRTC tells HC

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation has informed the Kerala High Court that the double-decker bus used in Munnar as part of budget tourism is fitted with LED lights inside and toughened glasses on its roof on the strength of a government order granting it exemption from the relevant motor vehicle rules. The submission was made in an affidavit filed by the KSRTC through its counsel Deepu Thankan in a suo motu case against unauthorised installation of LED lights and others fittings on the vehicle in violation of the Motor Vehicles Act and Rules. It was pointed out that the State government in February 28, 2024, invoking its power under Rule 334 of the Kerala Motor Vehicle Rules, had permitted the KSRTC to make alterations to the vehicle. The affidavit said that without altering the bus structural body, the modification made included removing panels on both sides, the front, the rear, and the roof, and replacing them with reinforced, toughened glass.