How KSRTC’s Heavy Vehicle License Program In Kerala Is Empowering Women And Professionals

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has launched a dedicated initiative for heavy vehicle training across several centres in the state, including Ponnani and Kozhikode.

This initiative, envisioned by Kerala’s Transport Minister Mr. Ganesh Kumar, was launched to counter exploitative practices in private driving institutions.

Designed to deliver intensive and terrain-adaptive training, the programme is led by seasoned KSRTC instructors selected purely on merit and driving expertise

The initiative, which began operations in late 2024, is aimed at equipping aspiring heavy vehicle drivers, particularly those without prior experience in commercial driving, with the necessary skills, licenses, and safety education.

Significantly, the program has seen growing participation from professionals such as teachers, advocates, merchants, surveyors, and technicians, as well as women from various educational and employment backgrounds.

According to a trainee at the Ponnani centre, one of the key training hubs, a highly diverse batch has been in recent months. “Among the current trainees is a female student pursuing a B.Ed in Mathematics, alongside working professionals like school teachers, surveyors, advocates, and technicians. This reflects the changing perception of heavy vehicle driving as a skilled and respectable profession,” he said.

The program stands out for its affordability and structure. The one-month training course is priced at ₹9,000, inclusive of all test and training charges.

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The trainee told Timeline that private institutions often charge higher fees and lack a supportive environment. In contrast, the KSRTC programme offers equal pricing for men and women, with trainers who are respectful, approachable, and especially encouraging to women who may feel nervous or hesitant, even those with little to no prior experience behind the heavy wheel.

Also, Students belonging to the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe(SC/ST) categories are offered a subsidised fee with an additional ₹2,500 fee waiver. The training includes theoretical and practical sessions on topics such as road safety, hazardous materials, signboards, vehicle maintenance, and emergency handling.

The initiative has seen a diverse range of trainees, many with inspiring backstories. Among them is Arya Nanda, a former NCC cadet and Navy aspirant, whose journey into this programme.

Inspired by her brother in the Army and the memory of her late father, a former KSRTC employee, Arya, currently pursuing her B.Ed. after a degree in Mathematics, sees this training as a way to break gendered physical constraints and reclaim a space once dear to her father.

The training programme has also earned praise for its empathetic approach. Instructor Mr. Ramesh, a KSRTC veteran with 18 years of service.

Master Trainers, along with officials from the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) and certified mechanical engineers, conduct demonstration classes as part of the curriculum. The training vehicles used are well-maintained KSRTC buses fitted with safety equipment and learning aids.

KSRTC’s model has also earned appreciation for its safe and respectful learning environment, especially for women trainees. Unlike many private institutions where the majority of learners already have experience in driving trucks or lorries, the KSRTC centres welcome fresh learners who may only have experience operating light motor vehicles.

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“The buses used for training are in excellent condition, and the instruction is methodical and polite. The environment here is far more professional than many private driving schools,” said the trainee at the Ponnani centre.

The initiative was officially inaugurated in November 2024 by MLA K.T. Jaleel at the KSRTC Regional Workshop in Edappal. A specially modified mini-bus has been designated for practical sessions, and a conference hall has been repurposed to function as the administrative office. Experienced KSRTC drivers, known for their skill and discipline, will serve as trainers, ensuring high-quality instruction.

While private driving schools often charge significantly higher fees for similar training, the KSRTC programme offers a more affordable and reliable alternative.

It includes classroom sessions, workshop exposure, and guided driving practice. For those who already hold a license but require extra preparation to clear the practical driving test, an additional course is available for ₹5,000.