Keralam to review colour code for tourist buses
The Kerala government is reviewing its unified colour code for tourist buses following complaints that the mandate disadvantaged local operators compared to those from other states. The review aims to align state regulations with central rules while maintaining road safety standards regarding bus body displays.
Why it matters
This highlights the challenges of harmonizing state-level transport regulations with national standards and the economic impact of such policies on the tourism sector.
The government has directed the State Transport Authority (STA) to review the unified colour code previously mandated for stage carriages in the State. The Transport department issued an order taking into account the All India Tourist Vehicles (Permit) Rules, 2023, as well as demands from the tourism sector.
According to a notification issued by the Transport secretary, the STA had introduced a unified colour code for non-LMV (Light Motor Vehicle) contract carriages on August 11, 2021, under Rule 264 of the Kerala Motor Vehicles Rules. The move followed a High Court order prohibiting the display of large images of film stars and text on buses in the interest of road safety. However, the All India Tourist Permit Rules issued by the Centre do not prescribe a specific colour for tourist vehicles.
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