The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is set to refurbish four of its Airavat and Airavat Club Class buses, giving them a near-new condition. This move follows the successful refurbishment of 1,027 Karnataka Sarige buses since 2022.
Refurbishment Initiative
- Fleet Upgrades: The initiative will see four Airavat and Airavat Club Class buses transformed into almost-new coaches. These buses, highly regarded within KSRTC’s fleet, will be the first of their kind to undergo such extensive refurbishment.
- Age of Buses: Typically, buses that have been in service for 15 years are decommissioned. However, the buses chosen for refurbishment are only 10 years old, showcasing KSRTC’s commitment to extending the life of its assets.
Refurbishment Process
- Selection Criteria: Buses selected for refurbishment are generally around 10 years old and have traveled over 10 lakh kilometers.
- Procedure: The refurbishment process involves complete disassembly of the bus, retaining only the chassis. Every component, from seats to windows, is replaced to ensure the bus is restored to like-new condition.
- Cost Efficiency: While a new bus costs approximately ₹40 lakh, refurbishing an old bus to near-new condition costs around ₹3 lakh, offering a significant cost saving.
Previous Success
- Past Refurbishments: Since 2022, KSRTC has successfully refurbished 1,027 Karnataka Sarige buses, demonstrating the effectiveness of their refurbishment strategy.
This new refurbishment initiative aims to enhance the quality and longevity of KSRTC’s Airavat fleet, continuing the corporation’s tradition of maintaining high standards in its services.
Source : thehindu
