KSRTC set to introduce inter-state AC sleeper buses
text_fields
Kochi: To increase the availability of affordable and comfortable travel choices for long-distance commuters in the state, the KSRTC plans to launch air-conditioned sleeper buses on high-demand inter-state routes, which are currently dominated by private operators.
“The AC sleeper buses will be introduced on high-demand routes like Thalassery-Bengaluru and Thiruvananthapuram-Bengaluru. The same will provide much relief to commuters who are forced to pay an exorbitant amount to private operators enjoying monopoly. We’ve already invited tenders for the sleeper buses and the services will be kicked off as and when we start receiving them,” Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar said.
The corporation has already issued a tender for the "design, manufacture, supply, testing, and commissioning" of bus chassis and bus bodies for 34 AC sleeper buses.
The 13.5-meter-long, diesel-powered buses must be suitable "for a minimum daily operation of 16 to 20 hours under all loads, different terrains, and operating conditions."
The budget allotment of Rs 107 crore for purchasing new buses boosted the initiative, TNIE reported.
‘Budget allocation for new buses a relief to KSRTC’
“The budget allocation to buy new buses is a big relief to KSRTC. We’re replacing the old buses, both in the higher class and ordinary categories. We’ll focus on Super Fast buses as they bring in more revenue. There are also plans to make all superfast buses air-conditioned without increasing the fare. The same is expected to boost ridership in a major way,” the minister said.
The KSRTC will also deploy air-conditioned semi-sleeper buses to link with airports. The same will be operated initially from the Kochi airport before being expanded to other airports. The buses will not have planned departure times and will leave solely when the flights arrive.
“Currently, there is no night connectivity to airports. The KSRTC will operate AC sleeper buses having sufficient luggage space for the benefit of air passengers flying out or arriving on these night flights. There will be no specific departure timing for the buses and the same would be coordinated with flight timings,” he said. The corporation would shortly put orders for 30 buses with greater luggage room, modelled after the recently introduced premium superclass buses.
“They will be deployed at the Kochi airport as soon as the buses start arriving. The services will be mainly to destinations in Malabar and those in central Kerala like Kottayam, Thiruvalla and Pathanamthitta,” the minister pointed out.
