The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is all set to introduce a new bus service from Bengaluru to Puri, Odisha, offering devotees an easy and comfortable way to visit the renowned Jagannath Temple. This service will also extend to Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, making it KSRTC’s longest route, covering over 1,500 km.
Key Features of the Bengaluru-Puri Service
- Route Details: The buses will operate via Tirupati, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam, covering more than 1,500 km in approximately 18 hours.
- Longest Route: Currently, the longest KSRTC route is from Bengaluru to Shirdi, covering 1,058 km.
- Ambaari Utsav Buses: To ensure a luxurious travel experience, KSRTC will deploy the newly introduced European-style, air-conditioned sleeper Ambaari Utsav buses.
Ambaari Utsav Buses
- Comfort & Features: These buses feature 40 sleeping berths, panoramic windows, USB ports, air vents, reading lights, and mobile holders for each passenger.
- Technology & Design: The Volvo 9600 multi-axle AC sleeper coaches are built to provide maximum comfort for long-distance travel.
Collaborative Efforts
- Odisha Collaboration: KSRTC is working with Odisha State Road Transport Corporation to finalize the route, with positive feedback received so far.
- Multi-State Support: Andhra Pradesh and Telangana authorities have also shown support for this service.
Revenue and Passenger Benefits
- Boost in Revenue: KSRTC expects the new routes to generate additional revenue while serving passengers and pilgrims heading to Odisha’s sacred sites.
- Expansion Plans: To meet increasing demand, KSRTC plans to add 20 more Ambaari Utsav buses to its existing fleet of 20.
Growing Fleet of Ambaari Utsav Buses
Launched in 2023 under the tagline “Celebration of Journey,” these buses have already gained popularity on routes like Bengaluru to Mangaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and other major cities. KSRTC plans to procure additional buses to meet the rising demand for long-distance travel.
Source : thehindu
