KSRTC waits for RTA nod to start services to MIA

The Mangaluru KSRTC division has applied for eight permits to operate its bus services to Mangaluru International Airport from various destinations.

Though the RTA heard the plea of the KSRTC and private operators in the meeting held recently, it is yet to take a decision.

Speaking to DH, Mangaluru KSRTC Divisional Controller Deepak Kumar said RTA would take a final call on permits to operate bus services to the airport.

The permits have been sought to operate buses from Kankanady, Morgan’s Gate, Mangaladevi, Surathkal, Kinnigoli among others to the airport.

The KSRTC officials had held discussions with the airport officials on locations in Mangaluru from where a majority of passengers travel to and fro airport. They have also discussed on the timings suited for the passengers.

In fact, State Chief Sectretary T M Vijay Bhaskar, during his recent visit to Mangaluru, had directed the KSRTC authorities to take initiatives to introduce buses to airport from various parts of Mangaluru. BMTC has successfully introduced buses to Bengaluru airport from various destinations.

Similarly, KSRTC in Mangaluru should take up the initiative, he had said.

In fact, the KSRTC in 2011 had introduced KSRTC buses to Mangaluru airport via Karnataka Polytechnic, Bondel, and Kavoor. However, the service was stopped due to lack of patronage from the passengers.

Further, the KSRTC Mangaluru division has received two permits from Udupi RTO to ply KSRTC volvo buses from Mangaluru International Airport to Bhatkal via Udupi-Manipal.

However, the KSRTC is waiting for the timetable from the RTO to start the services.

The introduction of bus service from Bhatkal to Mangaluru will be more convenient for businessmen and traders. Further, it will also benefit students, who arrive from various states and countries, to Manipal for their studies.

With the weekend and beginning of Christmas, the KSRTC Mangaluru division will introduce at least 25 additional buses to cater to the demands of the passengers from Mangaluru to Bengaluru and vice versa.

Mangaluru KSRTC Divisional Controller Deepak Kumar said, “We have already added 16 additional buses on the route.”

For December 25 and 26, right now, seats are available on regular buses. On these dates, if the demand increase, the KSRTC is ready to run about 25 buses based on the demand.

The demand will be on December 26 and also on the eve of New Year,” he said.