Minibuses disappearing from Kerala roads as demand soars in TN

KERALA is witnessing a sharp exodus of minibuses. Around 300 of these vehicles, primarily 23 to 33-seaters that operated in the state were sold to buyers in Tamil Nadu between June 2024 and June 2025, according to sources in the private bus sector.

- JOSE K JOSEPH @T'Puram

Industry insiders said if the trend continues, the remaining 800-odd minibuses operating in the state could vanish from the roads within 2-3 years.

Most of the buses were sold as Tamil Nadu offers quick permits for private services on rural and interior routes, unlike Kerala where operators often face bureaucratic hurdles and financial strain. The minibuses being sold are mostly 8-10 years old and have become economically unsustainable for many owners.