Watch: KSRTC driver’s tearful farewell to bus on retirement day goes viral

Paul Kurian, a driver attached to the KSRTC Kumily depot in Idukki, Keralam, completed his last duty on September 2, 2026. | Photo Credit: special arrangement A Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) driver bid an emotional farewell to his bus after completing his final trip ahead of retirement, with a video of the moment now widely shared on social media.Paul Kurian, a driver attached to the KSRTC Kumily depot in Idukki, completed his last duty on September 2. After parking the bus at the end of his shift, he kissed the steering wheel and saluted the vehicle before walking away. The video, shared by KSRTC officials, has drawn widespread attention, with many appreciating his dedication to the profession.Accident-free service recordMr. Kurian served as a KSRTC driver for 18 years at the Kumily and Kattappana depots. According to officials, he maintained an accident-free service record throughout his career.“My official retirement is on October 31, but September 2 was my last physical duty,” Kurian said. “For the past eight years, I drove the interstate service between Cumbum in Tamil Nadu and Kottayam. Over the years, I developed a close bond with the bus. On my last working day, I felt I should salute the vehicle that kept me and my passengers safe.”He said that when a person enjoys their work, it never feels like a burden.Mr. Kurian added that if he gets an opportunity to return as an empanelled driver after retirement, he would gladly wear the uniform again and get behind the wheel. KSRTC driver Paul Kurian bids tearful farewell to bus on retirement day | Video Credit: special arrangement Published - September 03, 2026 02:51 pm IST