THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, September 23, 2026: The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is preparing to expand its presence in the tourism sector with plans to establish a dedicated tourism division and explore new travel programmes, including Bharat Darshan-style tours.

Transport Minister C.P. John announced the plans while inaugurating new tourism packages to Lakshadweep and Hyderabad launched by the KSRTC Budget Tourism Cell. The development marks a further expansion of KSRTC's efforts to offer organised travel packages alongside its regular public transport services.

Dedicated tourism division planned

According to the Transport Minister, KSRTC will soon launch a dedicated tourism division. The corporation will also examine the possibility of introducing Bharat Darshan-style journeys, potentially giving travellers opportunities to visit destinations outside Kerala through organised KSRTC tourism programmes.

KSRTC has already been expanding its tourism activities through the Budget Tourism Cell, which has been operating a range of domestic tourism packages. The corporation's tourism portfolio includes destinations across Kerala such as Munnar, Kumarakom, Gavi, Kovalam, Thenmala, Kuttanad, Athirappilly and Fort Kochi.

New Lakshadweep and Hyderabad packages

The Budget Tourism Cell has introduced new packages to Lakshadweep and Hyderabad.

The Lakshadweep package starts from Kochi and includes visits to Agatti and Kalpitti islands. The package is designed as a three-night, four-day holiday, with options including homestay and resort accommodation. Depending on the package, arrangements include permits, transfers, accommodation, meals, Wi-Fi and insurance. Activities such as snorkelling, glass-bottom boat rides and kayaking are also available.

KSRTC has also introduced two Hyderabad itineraries. The longer three-day, two-night package covers attractions including Charminar, Golconda Fort, Salar Jung Museum, Ramoji Film City, Hussain Sagar and Birla Mandir. A shorter two-day, one-night option is also available.

New online booking and waiting-list facility

Along with the tourism packages, KSRTC has introduced new software for its Budget Tourism Cell. The system enables travellers to book tour packages online and introduces a waiting-list facility similar to the system used by Indian Railways.

The move is expected to make the booking process more convenient as KSRTC expands its organised tourism programmes.

Solar boat services on Parvathi Puthannaar

KSRTC is also set to become more closely involved with water-based tourism. According to the Transport Minister, boating services on Parvathi Puthannaar are scheduled to begin on September 30 using solar boats leased by the Water Transport Department from Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL).

The introduction of solar-powered boats adds another dimension to Kerala's growing focus on sustainable and water-based tourism.

Expanding role in Kerala tourism

The proposed tourism division could allow KSRTC to develop a more structured approach to tourism operations, combining transportation with accommodation, sightseeing and destination experiences.

With new packages to destinations outside Kerala, expanded domestic tourism programmes and planned water-based services, KSRTC is gradually broadening its role from a conventional public transport operator to a provider of organised travel experiences.

The proposed tourism division and new packages are expected to further strengthen KSRTC's contribution to Kerala's tourism sector while giving travellers additional options for exploring Kerala and other destinations.