Hi-tech KSRTC buses to hit Mysuru roads on Monday

Low-floor buses equipped with ITS, cameras, panic buttons

Travelling by government-run city buses will be more safe and comfortable from Monday. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is introducing a fleet of 32 new high-end buses, which are fully equipped with safety technologies.

The buses come fitted with certain safety features like Intelligent Transport System (ITS), CCTV cameras, rear camera, panic buttons, public address system, LED display, tracking system and electro pneumatic doors.

Each bus with the seating capacity of 40 has been fixed with two fire extinguisher equipment, six poles with stop buzzers.

Keeping safety measures in mind, it is also facilitated with fire retardant and multiplex wiring. The design of the new vehicles has been approved by Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT).

According to the authorities, new automated door system and panic buttons are the unique features. The buttons, which are placed near the driver seat can be operated during emergency to pass on information to control room.

Whereas, automated doors in the vehicle ensures safety of passengers preventing them from getting down of the moving vehicle. The bus will not move unless the doors are closed, said K Ramamurthy, Divisional Controller, Mysuru city.

The bus with low floor is very convenient, especially for elder citizens, said Ramamurthy. However, the performance of buses will be ascertained once they start operating, he added.

With the authorities seeking more buses, process to procure 40 more buses is underway, he said.

New routes planned

The new buses will replace the existing buses, and the KSRTC is also planning to extend the routes to Ring Road, Kadakola Industrial Area and to Bilikere from the city.