Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation introduces intercity luxury services

Perhaps, disappointed with the number of road accidents involved by Volvo buses, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is contemplating to have another alternative to provide luxury bus services for the comfort of passengers. On Monday, the KSRTC has introduced Scania Metrolink HD inter-city luxury line from Bangalore to Chennai and Bangalore to Tirupathi on a trial basis to provide convenient, comfortable and affordable transportation.

Ramalinga Reddy, Minister for Transport, In-charge Minister Bangalore and Chairman KSRTC & BMTC has flagged off the bus services at the KSRTC Central Office premises in the presence of BNS Reddy, Managing Director, KSRTC, Sivakumar, Director Sales, Scania Commercial Vehicles India Pvt Ltd.

Speaking with media persons, Minister Ramalinga Reddy said that it was the first time in Indian road transport history under the state transport undertaking, KSRTC is introducing Scania Metrolink HD for the benefit of passengers. These buses commute passengers from Bangalore to Chennai and Bangalore to Tirupathi. These buses will offer more convenient, safe and comfortable journey for the travelling passengers. We will take a decision to buy Scania buses only after receiving feedback from passengers. The KSRTC plans to buy 60 buses in future,'' the minister said.

The Scania Metrolink HD bus will departure from Bangalore at 3 pm and arrive at Tirupathi at 8.15 pm and it departures from Tirupati at midnight and reaches Bangalore at 5.15 am. The bus to Chennai departure at 2 pm from Bangalore and arrive at Chennai at 9.30 pm and it will Chennai at 11.10 pm and reaches Bangalore at 6.40 am. The bus fare is (Bangalore-Chennai) Rs 600 (day journey) and Rs 700 (night journey). The fare for Bangalore-Tirupathi is Rs 450 (day) and Rs 500 (night). "The KSRTC is planning to extend Scania Metrolink HD bus service to other important cities in the state and to other states,'' the minister said.

Speaking on the occasion, Sivakumar V, Director (Sales), Scania Commercial Vehicles India said the KSRTC, who are among the more progressive of state transport corporations in the country, would be using Scania buses for trial runs in Karnataka. "Our customers today are looking for reliable transportation solutions and are cognizant of land-term benefits. They are appreciative of the added value that Scania vehicles can bring in through our total operating economy (TOE) and these deliveries are a proof point to the trust our customers have in us.''

According to reliable sources, Scania vehicles are priced at Rs 5 lakh cheaper than Volvo buses.