KSRTC to purchase 1,594 buses

In order to provide better service and connectivity, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will buy 1,594 buses. As part of this initiative, it will launch 70 ‘Karnataka Sarige’ buses on Monday.

Explaining the move, a KSRTC official said that the transport utility would procure 380 ‘Karnataka Sarige’ buses in the first phase. Of them, 70 buses are to be launched on Monday and the remaining will be procured by the end of November, the official added.

As per the rules, the KSRTC has to retire 15% of its existing fleet based on the kilometres commuted and age of the vehicles. To strike a balance, the corporation will procure new vehicles, including high-end buses such as AC Sleeper, Airavat Club class among others. In all, the KSRTC will induct 1,594 new buses into the existing fleet through funds available with it. This will happen by the end of March, the official said.

The 70 ‘Karnataka Sarige’ buses will be allotted to depots across the state. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy will inaugurate them.