Chief Minister Siddaramaiah flagged off 100 upgraded versions of Karnataka Sarige buses, operated by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), on Monday.
The new buses, branded ‘Ashwamedha Classic’, carry the tagline ‘Journey Redefined’. They will be operated by KSRTC on point-to-point routes between district headquarters and Bengaluru.
“The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation is introducing 1,000 buses this year, with the inauguration of 100 buses taking place today. Over the past four years, no new buses were added, and around 3,800 buses were suspended during the pandemic. Since assuming power, we are taking the initiative to add 5,800 buses to the organisation,” said Mr. Siddaramaiah.
He informed that the corporations had introduced several passenger-friendly schemes and implemented innovative labour welfare programmes.
Features of new Ashwamedha Classic buses of KSRTC
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said that the new buses have 50 seats each. “They are equipped with front and rear LED destination boards, pneumatic doors with sensors, and an emergency button,” he said.
According to officials, the length of the bus is 3.4 metres, as compared to 3.2 metres of the Karnataka Sarige buses. It boasts a wider front windshield (70 inches by 97 inches, as compared to 46 inches by 97 inches in Karnataka Sarige buses), a broader rear windshield, expanded passenger window frame and glass, wider louver glass, and a two-row roof grab rail. It has high-back seats with quality cushioning, magazine pouches, and water bottle holders.
Additional enhancements include front and rear LED destination boards, advertisement-type hand grips, an FRP dashboard, two-way roof (saloon) LED strip lights, strip-type LED lights on the entrance footstep, front and rear cameras, Electronic Vehicle Stability Control (EVSC), a vehicle location tracking unit, panic buttons, and a public address system.
KSRTC to add 948 diesel and 300 electric buses to fleet in 2024
Mr. Reddy said that the corporation plans to introduce 948 diesel and 300 electric (G.C.C. Model) buses in 2024 in a bid to encourage more people to embrace mass public transport, and enhance passenger services.
“As of December 2023, KSRTC incorporated a total of 180 buses (comprising 153 diesel and 27 electric buses). To support this initiative, the government has allocated ₹100 crore. At present, 15 Ashok Leyland buses are undergoing trials as a precursor to the induction of 200 ordinary Karnataka Sarige buses in the corporation’s fleet,” he added.
