Special Report: KSRTC bus service from MIA to city

• Final decision expected within the week

Mangaluru: Similar to the BMTC bus service from Bengaluru International Airport to Bengaluru city limits, in the coming days, KSRTC will be starting its bus service to connect the Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) to Mangaluru city limits with the introduction of 5 buses for the service.

Recently, the state chief secretary T M Vijaya Bhaskar had visited MIA and during his visit, he had notified KSRTC officials to start KSRTC bus service to various locations in the city as well as the district. In this backdrop, KSRTC officials have started a survey.

KSRTC officials have held discussions with the airport officials on the topic to which locations in Mangaluru do most number of passengers travel to from the airport. They have also discussed on what time would be best suited to most of the passengers and at what time will there be the most number of passengers. The final decision is expected within the week.

A few months ago, there were two KSRTC buses plying between MIA and the city limits. But, since the buses presented a business profit which was way below expectation, the service was quietly stopped. Hence, the public remained oblivious to the commencement and cancellation of the service.

Bhatkal; Timing remains to be finalized!

Udupi RTO has already issued the permit for the plying of KSRTC Volvo bus service from MIA to Bhatkal via Udupi-Manipal. But, Udupi RTO has not yet finalized the route timing for the Volvo bus. If this is permitted, two Volvo buses will begin their service from MIA to Bhatkal via Udupi-Manipal.

The introduction of bus service from Bhatkal to Mangaluru will be more convenient for businessmen and traders. Along with Manipal and Udupi, other areas are witnessing development by the day. Even foreign institutions have put their roots here. In this time, the bus service will make it very convenient for businessmen coming in flights and traveling from one place to another. Similarly, many students arrive from various states/countries to Manipal and other colleges to attend weekend courses. Therefore, this service is expected to be convenient.

KSRTC service from MIA to throughout the district

Through a survey, KSRTC is planning to provide its bus service from MIA to the city via Bondel, Kavoor, Kankanady, State Bank, Lalbhag and Morgans Gate. Since, currently there are no Volvo buses in Mangaluru, JNNURM or other buses will be deployed for the service. Besides, KSRTC is also planning to start its bus service from MIA to Bantwal, Belthangady, Puttur and Sullia.

Decision within a week

“A survey has been conducted to start the initial 5 KSRTC bus service from MIA to Mangaluru city. The state’s chief secretary has also notified in this concern. After examining the survey report, the final decision will be taken within the week,” said Deepak Kumar, Divisional Controller, KSRTC