Freshbus Bengaluru International airport service to Mysuru cancelled after transport department flags permission issues

Freshbus, an all-electric intercity bus service that was scheduled to operate between Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) and Mysuru, has had its inaugural service cancelled after the Karnataka Transport Department ruled that the operator did not have the necessary permissions.

According to Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, the bus service was planned to be inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, with a formal event scheduled to mark the launch recently. However, the Transport Department intervened upon learning about the launch, informing Mr. Shivakumar, and the service was subsequently called off.

“They have not obtained permission to operate between Bengaluru airport and Mysuru. How can they start the service without approval? We instructed them to drop the plan,” Mr. Reddy said, adding that appropriate action has also been initiated against the operator.

Policy change ends permit-free operation

The cancellation is part of a policy revision by the Karnataka Transport Department in July, which withdrew the earlier exemption that allowed electric, methanol, and ethanol-based public transport vehicles to operate without permits. The exemption had been introduced in line with a 2018 order by the Union Road Transport Ministry to encourage ecofriendly transport and reduce carbon emissions. The State government, however, decided to revoke the provision, citing misuse of the facility.

Mr. Reddy said the initiative aims to ensure accountability of both vehicle owners and drivers of battery-operated, methanol, and ethanol-powered vehicles. “The goal is to obtain an accurate count of such vehicles operating in passenger and goods transport, and to ensure safety measures, including GPS tracking, are implemented for passenger protection,” he added.

Freshbus was all set to launch its services between Bengaluru airport and Mysuru during the first week of October, coinciding with the Dasara festival, and had advertised the service in both Bengaluru and Mysuru.

Freshbus did not respond to The Hindu’s request for comment.

Currently, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates airport bus services connecting KIA to cities across the State. The Flybus, KSRTC’s premium airport service with seat-only coaches, links Bengaluru airport with Mysuru, Mangaluru, Madikeri, and other towns. In January, the State-run corporation also introduced two Ambaari Utsav sleeper buses between Bengaluru airport and Kundapur, catering to passengers seeking overnight travel options.