Bengaluru-Mysuru route: With new e-buses, KSRTC could give railways a run for its money

BENGALURU: Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is betting big on its first inter-city AC electric bus service (EV power plus) between Bengaluru and Mysuru, which began operating on January 16.

The state-run bus corporation is planning to woo premium segment customers from trains to its air-conditioned environment-friendly e-bus service. Currently, only one e-bus is operational between Bengaluru and Mysuru.

Of the 49 planned e-buses, 25 will be inducted by this month-end and remaining by March. Officials said they will operate these e-buses (inducted under lease) from Bengaluru - 15 to Davanagere, 10 to Shivamogga, eight to Mysuru, seven to Madikeri and five each to Chikkamagaluru and Virajpet.


KSRTC managing director V Anbu Kumar said: "We received an overwhelming response to our first AC e-bus service between Bengaluru and Mysuru. Unlike Vande Bharat which operates at a particular time, we have a premium service between these two cities round the clock. In fact, journey time will further reduce once the expressway is completed."

Asked if there are plans to commence express services to Mysuru from Kengeri bus/Metro stations or Chalaghatta (once the Metro station is operational), Kumar said the same will be considered based on passenger demand.

At present, railways run two premium services - Vande Bharat (VB) and Shatabdi - with an average journey time of two hours between two cities. While AC chair car fare for VB (between these two cities) is between Rs 500 and Rs 700, including food, it is Rs 315 in Shatabdi, which has dynamic pricing (flexi-fare system). The rate increases based on demand/last-minute booking.

Banking on expressway

KSRTC is pinning hopes on Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway, which is likely to be completed by March. At present, EV power plus takes 2.30-2.45 hours from Majestic to Mysuru. The journey time is likely to be reduced to 2.15-2.30 hours once the expressway is operational. KSRTC officials said they will facilitate online reservation for e-bus services once they get more buses.

While KSRTC is charging Rs 300 for EV power plus, it may add toll charges once collection starts. "Toll fee will be levied to each ticket," said a KSRTC official.

Meanwhile, SWR chief PRO Aneesh Hegde said: "We are working to enhance the speed on Bengaluru-Mysuru rail route. The maximum permissible speed will be increased from the existing 100kmph to 110kmph in the first phase and later to 130kmph."

Krishna Prasad KN, member, Karnataka Railway Vedike, an NGO, said: "Railways should reduce VB fare between Bengaluru and Mysuru to around Rs 300 so that more people can switch to trains and travel comfortably."


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