As the much-awaited Onam festival approaches, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has unveiled a commendable move to bring relief to thousands of Keralites residing and working in Bengaluru. The corporation has announced a series of 32 special services aimed at ensuring seamless travel between Bengaluru and various destinations across Kerala. This proactive step is particularly crucial as regular ticket prices have experienced a sharp surge due to the anticipated heavy rush during the festive season.
Boosting Travel Convenience for Onam Commuters
In an effort to accommodate the festive travel demands, the Karnataka RTC has scheduled 32 special services, primarily running between Bengaluru and prominent destinations in Kerala. These services come as a relief for individuals aiming to make the journey back home or embark on holiday trips during the festival.
Key highlights include
- 22 Services on August 25: Recognizing the peak of holiday travel on August 25, the Karnataka RTC has allocated 22 special services to meet the increased demand effectively.
- Expanded Route Coverage: The special services are directed towards connecting destinations like Alappuzha, Munnar, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode, and Kannur, catering to the diverse preferences of travelers.
- Addressing Fully Booked Regular Services: The introduction of these special services is a response to the overwhelming demand that led to the complete booking of regular services from August 23 to 27.
- Mysore-Ernakulam Connection: In addition to the Bengaluru services, a special route between Mysore and Ernakulam has been established, further enhancing travel options.
Curbing Unjustified Price Hikes
The excessive rush during festivals often results in private stage carriers inflating ticket prices to take advantage of the situation. In contrast, the Karnataka RTC has taken a more customer-centric approach:
- 30% Surcharge Based on Demand: To manage the increased demand, the Karnataka RTC will charge an additional fee of up to 30%, ensuring that travelers are not subjected to exorbitant pricing.
Collaboration for Enhanced Services
The introduction of these special services has been influenced by productive discussions and collaboration:
- Congress Involvement: A successful interaction between AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal and Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has led to the allotment of AC Multi Axle special services, specifically to Alappuzha.
As the Onam festival nears, these transport enhancements demonstrate the Karnataka RTC’s dedication to providing seamless travel experiences and ensuring hassle-free journeys for all.
Source : onmanorama
