Thiruvananthapuram: After fuel stations and driving schools, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will soon open its own vehicle emission testing centers. The first center will begin operations at the Vikas Bhavan depot in the capital, said Transport Minister K. B. Ganesh Kumar.

Similar centers will later open at other depots across the state. These facilities will be available for both KSRTC and private vehicles.

Additionally, KSRTC plans to offer advertising opportunities through which individuals can earn a 15% commission on any advertisement deal worth ?1 lakh or more that they secure for the corporation. The minister said the initiative aims to create new job opportunities for young people while generating revenue for KSRTC.

Thiruvananthapuram: The Railway Board has approved the extension of the Amritha Express (16343/44) from Thiruvananthapuram–Madurai to Rameswaram. The first extended service will begin on Thursday.

The train will depart Thiruvananthapuram at 8:30 PM and reach Rameswaram at 12:45 PM the next day. On the return journey, it will leave Rameswaram at 1:30 PM and arrive in Thiruvananthapuram at 4:55 AM the following day.

Stops between Madurai and Rameswaram include Manamadurai, Paramakudi, and Ramanathapuram. This fulfills a long-standing demand for direct service from Kerala to Rameswaram — last operational during the meter-gauge era before 2008.

Kochi: Dulquer Salmaan’s production house, Wayfarer Films, has dismissed Chief Associate Director Dhinil Babu following a complaint that he misbehaved with a young woman under the pretext of offering her a film role.

A police complaint was filed at the Thevara station, and another submitted to FEFKA. The company clarified that it has no connection with Dhinil Babu and accused him of attempting to defame the studio.

The victim alleged that Dhinil called her to a room near the Wayfarer Films office, assuring her that women from the production team would be present, but later tried to assault her. The company warned the public not to fall for fake casting calls, stressing that all official casting information will only be shared through Dulquer Salmaan’s or Wayfarer Films’ verified social media channels.

Kerala Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar has announced free KSRTC bus travel for cancer patients across the state. The benefit will apply to all buses from the Super Fast category and below. The minister stated in the Legislative Assembly that the KSRTC Board will finalize the decision by Thursday. Patients traveling to hospitals for treatment will also be eligible for free rides, he added.