Mysuru: In a bid to promote tourism, the state government had announced that double-decker buses will be provided to Mysuru and Hampi. The government’s budget had allocated four buses to Mysuru and two buses to Hampi. The buses are said to be designed along the lines of London’s famous Big Buses.
Karnataka’s tourism department had received an overwhelming response when it first introduced double-decker buses at the Mysuru Dasara last year. Although only five per cent of tourists could be accommodated in the buses, the government acknowledged the demand and allocated Rs 5 crores for it in the state budget.
Karnataka State Tourism Development Managing Director Kumar Pushkar said, “Although we tried our best to purchase the double-decker buses, we cannot introduce it this Dasara as there was no participation in the tender process. We have once again invited separate bids for building the chassis of the bus and hope that there is participation this time.”
“Since there is an e-procurement processing problem, we need ten days to set it right and the tender will be finalised after that. After the tender process, three months time will be needed for bodybuilding,” he added.
Pushkar also said that he was confident that the buses will be rolled out by January or February.
Regional Manager KSTDC Uday Kumar said, “Once the double-decker bus becomes a reality, it can be used to see the palace lights during Dasara time. These buses will not be restricted to Mysuru and Hampi but will also be used for special occasions such as the annual Jatra Mahotsava.”
Kumar also mentioned that each bus will have a capacity of 35 seats.
