The Mangaluru division of KSRTC has expanded its premium fleet with the addition of Volvo Multi-Axle Seater 2.0 and Ambari Utsav buses, enhancing connectivity between Mangaluru and Bengaluru. The new services were launched on Sunday.
According to Rajesh Shetty, Senior Divisional Controller, the division has received two Volvo 2.0 buses and three Ambari Utsav buses as part of a fresh government sanction. These buses will operate via Puttur–Mysuru and Hassan routes, offering upgraded travel options to passengers.
For the first time, the division is offering air-conditioned sleeper service for daytime travel, departing Mangaluru at 1 PM and reaching Bengaluru by 8 PM. An additional AC sleeper has also been introduced on the Puttur–Sullia–Mysuru route.
Shetty noted that since its founding in 1982, the division has grown to operate 595 vehicles, running 550 scheduled services and covering 2.17 lakh kilometres daily, serving nearly 1.2 lakh passengers.
At the launch, MLC Ivan D’Souza praised the move as a step toward improving public transport in coastal Karnataka. He acknowledged welfare schemes like Shakti (free bus travel for women) for enhancing the state’s per capita income and commended KSRTC’s proactive efforts.
D’Souza also revealed future plans to introduce electric buses and modernise the Mangaluru bus terminal, which still lags behind upgrades seen in other cities. He pledged to raise the issue during the next legislative session.