Kerala Tourist Buses Halt Services to Karnataka, Tamil Nadu over ‘Unlawful Taxes and Fines’
The Luxury Bus Owners Association says mounting penalties and vehicle seizures by neighbouring states have forced operators to suspend interstate travel from Monday evening.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM– The Luxury Bus Owners Association (LBOA) on Sunday announced the suspension of all interstate tourist bus services from Kerala to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, citing repeated harassment and unlawful fines imposed by authorities in the neighbouring states.
In a statement, the association’s Kerala State Committee said that the suspension would take effect from 6 p.m. on Monday, affecting all tourist buses operating under All India Tourist Permits (AITPs).
LBOA State President A.J. Rijas said the decision was not taken as a form of protest but out of compulsion, claiming that Kerala-registered vehicles were being unfairly targeted. “Neighbouring states have started levying heavy fines, imposing unlawful state-level taxes, and seizing Kerala vehicles despite valid permits,” he said.
General Secretary Maneesh Sasidharan added that despite operating under the Central Government’s Motor Vehicles Act, buses from Kerala continue to face obstruction. “Tourist vehicles with valid AITPs are being stopped, fined, and detained by enforcement teams in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka,” he said.
The association accused Tamil Nadu authorities of arbitrarily collecting taxes from Kerala-based vehicles for over a year, causing “financial strain and fear” among operators. “Kerala has taken a cooperative stance, avoiding retaliatory action, but the issue has only worsened,” the statement said.
The LBOA warned that operators now fear financial losses and vehicle seizures, forcing them to suspend services to protect passengers, drivers, and vehicles. “This is not a strike or a protest, but a compelled action to ensure safety,” it clarified.
The association urged Kerala Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar and the Transport Commissioner to urgently engage with their counterparts in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, as well as the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, to end what they described as “unlawful practices” and ensure uniform enforcement of the AITP framework across southern states.
“With timely intervention from the Kerala government and the Centre, we believe this issue can be resolved amicably, allowing normal interstate services to resume soon,” the association added.
