Mangaluru: The newly introduced Volvo bus service between Mangaluru-Kasaragod has been stopped within a week of its introduction. What is special is that that the service has been stopped with the reason of bad road condition.
The road between Talapady and Kasaragod is completely spoilt and hence, it is difficult to run a hi-tech bus like Volvo to run along the route. The service which was started a month ago has been stopped within a week of its commencing under the guise of technical problem due to the bad state of the road, inform KSRTC sources. But, it is also being said that the less than expected passenger response has also led to the cancelling of service.
KSRTC started the luxurious Volvo bus service between Mangaluru-Kasaragod in response to the demand by the passengers and bus service functioned normally for a week. Later, the service the abruptly stopped since there was a drop in passenger response on one side on the other, running the luxurious Volvo bus along the bad road had turned out to be difficult.
This has happened earlier too
A few years back, KSRTC had started Volvo bus service between Mangaluru-Kasaragod in the same way and then too, the service was stopped within a few days stating lack of passenger response.
During the first week of August, two AC Volvo buses between Mangaluru-Kasaragod in the first phase followed by two more buses in the second phase were planned. The timetable had been decided and the buses would function from 7 am, 7:30, 7:45, 8. 10, 10:30. 10:45, 11:15, 2, 2:30, 2:45, 3:15, 6, 6:30 pm from Mangaluru and from 5:30 am, 5:55, 8:0, 9, 9:15, 9:45, 12, 12:30, 1, 1:30, 4:15, 4:45, 5:15 and 5:30 pm from Kasaragod.
14 trips daily
With only 6 stops between Mangaluru and Kasaragod, 14 daily trips from two divisions had been planned with a ticket price of Rs 75 per passenger. A day pass at Rs 130 per head had been decided with the opportunity to travel twice in a day.
Less mileage
On one hand there is a lack of passengers and on the other, the mileage of Volvo buses is less in comparison to other normal buses. If a normal bus gives a mileage of 5-6km for a liter of diesel, Volvo buses only give a mileage of 2.5-3km. that too, the mileage fall considerably when travelling along pothole ridden roads. Considering all these points, KSRTC Volvo bus service between Mangaluru- Kasaragod was cancelled, say KSRTC officials
Service stopped due to bad road condition
The road between Mangaluru-Kasaragod is spoilt. For this reason, the Volvo service which was started a month-and-a-half ago has been stopped. While travelling along a pothole ridden road, there are chances wherein the luxury bus might suffer damage – Jayashant, KSRTC Mangaluru Division Control Officer
