State transport minister to flag off first KSRTC Volvo bus

State transport minister to flag off first KSRTC Volvo bus

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Mar 10: Mr. R Ashok, the state transport minister, will flag off the first KSRTC Volvo bus from State Bank Circle to Manipal on March 15. He might announce some more KSRTC services in Mangalore and its surrounding areas. Experts in the transport industry that this will soon put the private bus lobby out of serious business.

Five KSRTC Volvo buses were taken out on March 9 in order to familiarize the drivers with the routes. Mr. P B Kaumbaiah, the divisional controller of KSRTC Mangalore, said that another vehicle will soon arrive from the Mysore depot, after which the buses will be formally introduced. 

Mr. Kaumbaiah said that six buses will be introduced on the Mangalore - Manipal route with stops at Surathkal, Mulky, Padubidri, Udupi City, Udyavar, Kinnimulky, Taluk Office, Diana Circle, Udupi Bus Stand, and Manipal. The time taken for the bus to reach Manipal from Mangalore has been set to 1 hr 45 minutes; but Mr. Kaumbaiah says that the journey won’t last so long and that KSRTC will adjust the timings later. 

Stating that KSRTC is yet to set the bus fare, Mr. Kaumbaiah said that it won’t be expensive; just 20 percent more than the usual fare. The buses will be fully air-conditioned and passengers can travel in a dust-free and sound-free environment. He also said that those who travel along any KSRTC schedule are entitled to an insurance of Rs 1 lakh.