KSRTC develops retractable steps, wants patent

What was essentially an innovation for public service, especially for the aged and the physically challenged, has now become a potential commercial venture for the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), promising high returns.

The state-owned KSRTC has developed an in-house product called 'retractable steps'. These steps are aimed at making embarking and disembarking from a bus an easy job even for the infirm.

"The retractable steps will be installed on all KSRTC buses in a phased manner. After studying the response from commuters, we will examine the possibility of equipping all buses owned by other state transport undertakings (STUs) with such steps," KSRTC managing director M R Sreenivasa Murthy told Business Standard.

At present, the KSRTC buses have 'fixed steps' which end 20 inches above the ground. Passengers, especially senior citizens, have trouble climbing up and down.

"There were numerous complaints from various sections of commuters on the height of the steps. But considering the condition of our roads, we could not afford to install fixed steps that almost touched the ground. We had to find an alternative solution and the retractable steps were developed inside six months by the mechanical engineering wing of the KSRTC," the project team leader explained.

"KSRTC is the first organisation to develop such a product. We have filed for a patent for this product," Murthy added.

The retractable steps have already been installed on five 'Mayura' category of KSRTC buses. "The response is encouraging and this has prompted us to go in for large scale production. The retractable steps will be installed on all 5,300 KSRTC buses in the coming days," he stated.

The retractable steps will work on pneumatic technology. "At present, a majority of the KSRTC buses have pneumatically operated doors. The retractable steps will work in synchronisation with the pneumatically operated doors," he explained.

All that the bus driver has to do is engage a lever located on his right side. The lever operates both pneumatically operated doors and the retractable steps.

"Once the lever is engaged, the doors open and the retractable steps slide outwards and downwards. When the passengers embark the bus, the lever is disengaged. The retractable steps slide backwards and upwards while the doors close," the team leader said.

After realising the commercial value of the product, the KSRTC filed an application seeking patent. "We are the first to develop retractable steps that work in synchronisation with pneumatically operated doors. Once the patent is granted, we will start production for commercial venture. The revenue generated from this will be pumped into improving the quality of service," he said.

The KSRTC conducted a study and private bus operators and travel firms evinced interest in the product.

"Already, there are multiple trade enquiries. We can start the commercial production within four months if the patent is granted soon. There are thousands of buses plying on the roads and the returns expected are high," the officer stated.