Mangaluru: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) Mangaluru Division on Friday introduced a new bus service between Mangaluru and Polali, improving connectivity for commuters travelling between the city and the temple town in Bantwal taluk.

The service was formally launched by Mangaluru City North MLA Y. Bharath Shetty at the Bejai KSRTC terminal, in the presence of MLC Ivan D’Souza, KSRTC Senior Divisional Controller Rajesh Shetty, and other officials.

Enhanced connectivity to Polali

The new route is expected to benefit daily commuters, students, and devotees visiting the famous Sri Rajarajeshwari Temple in Polali, one of the region’s major pilgrimage centres. Until now, limited direct services forced passengers to rely on private buses or make multiple transfers.

“This new service will ease travel for people in the Mangaluru–Polali corridor and help devotees visiting the Polali Temple,” said MLA Bharath Shetty. He also appreciated KSRTC’s efforts to expand public transport to semi-urban and rural areas.

Timetable and route details

The Mangaluru–Polali service will operate five daily trips from Bejai terminal at:

  • 6.00 a.m.
  • 8.45 a.m.
  • 11.40 a.m.
  • 3.30 p.m.
  • 6.30 p.m.

The bus will travel via PVS Circle, Bunt’s Hostel, Nanthoor, Bikarnakatte, Kulashekara Baithurli, Kudupu, Vamanjoor, Ketthikal, Bondanthila, Tarigudde, Badriyanagara, Mallur, Kalai, Ammunje, Badakabailu, and Punchame, before reaching Polali.

In the return direction, the Polali–Mangaluru service will leave at:

  • 6.55 a.m.
  • 10.10 a.m.
  • 1.50 p.m.
  • 4.35 p.m.
  • 8.00 p.m.

Part of KSRTC’s regional expansion plan

According to KSRTC Senior Divisional Controller Rajesh Shetty, the service is part of the corporation’s effort to strengthen rural and suburban connectivity in Dakshina Kannada district. “We are committed to introducing more services on routes that link cultural and religious destinations with urban centres,” he said.

The KSRTC Mangaluru Division has recently launched several new intra-district routes, responding to increased public demand. Officials said the performance of the new Mangaluru–Polali route will be monitored over the coming months, with adjustments based on passenger feedback.

Boost to temple tourism and local economy

The service is also expected to support temple tourism and benefit small businesses in and around Polali. The Polali Rajarajeshwari Temple attracts thousands of devotees each month, especially during festivals such as Brahmarathotsava and Navaratri.

Local residents welcomed the move, noting that the new KSRTC buses are likely to offer safer and more reliable travel compared to some private operators on the route.

The introduction of this route marks another step in KSRTC’s ongoing mission to connect Karnataka’s cultural and economic hubs through accessible and affordable public transport.