KSRTC adds new luxury buses on Mangaluru – Bengaluru route

MANGALURU: The Mangaluru division of KSRTC launched the new Volvo Multi-axle seater 2.0 and Ambari Utsav buses sanctioned by the govt on Sunday. Rajesh Shetty, Senior Divisional Controller of KSRTC Mangaluru Division, said that the division was sanctioned two Volvo Multi-axle seater 2.0 and three Ambari Utsav buses.

The new buses will operate between Mangaluru and Bengaluru, via Puttur - Mysuru and Hassan routes. For the first time, the division introduced a day journey AC sleeper bus, which will start from Mangaluru at 1 pm to reach Bengaluru at 8 pm. An AC sleeper bus was also introduced on the Puttur – Sullia – Mysuru road, he said.The division, which started in 1982, has been operating 550 schedules with 595 vehicles covering an average of 2.17 lakh kms, providing services to 1.2 lakh passengers every day, he added.Speaking after flagging off the buses, MLC Ivan D’Souza said that the govt sanctioned additional luxury buses for the division, keeping in mind the convenience of passengers in the region. He said the implementation of Shakti schemes that offer free travel for women and other guarantee schemes helped Karnataka reach the number one position in terms of per capita income in the nation. When the govt transferred the scheme benefits directly to the people, it helped the state grow, he said.

The MLC lauded the efforts of Mangaluru division officials for proactively submitting proposals and getting the same approved by the govt. “People will get the benefits of govt schemes effectively only if officials work proactively. The division will also get electric buses soon. I have also drawn the attention of the govt to develop the Mangaluru division of the KSRTC during the last Legislature Session. There are ample opportunities for the division to expand its operations, including commercial activities.

Bus stations in many cities have already been upgraded with high-tech facilities. However, we are lacking pace when it comes to development. I will raise the issue again in the next Legislature session to ensure that the bus station in Mangaluru is developed by providing high-tech facilities,” he said.Dakshina Kannada district Guarantee Scheme Implementation Authority President Bharath Mundodi and others were present.