Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will spread Flybus operations from Bangalore International Airport/Kempe Gowda International Airport (KIA) to the neighbouring cities of Tirupati, Salem, Kozhikode and Madikeri.
Flybus aims to provide luxury service to air passengers from the airport to neighbouring cities. At the moment, it transports passengers arriving at KIA to Mysuru (150kms), Mangaluru (350kms), Manipal (400kms) and Kundapur (415kms).
Rajender Kumar Kataria, managing director at KSRTC says, “The new routes have been identified based on suggestions we received from the general public and (KIA) airport authorities. If we operate Flybus services from these destinations, it will help air passengers in a big way. We have received feedback that many devotees for Tirupati arrive via KIA. At present, we are operating Flybus (service) from Mysuru to KIA, and from KIA to Mangaluru-Manipal and Kundapur. Every day, ten trips are operated and the corporation manages to earn a profit margin of ₹20 per kilometre; this is the highest earning service for us compared to our other services.”
KSRTC is in talks with KIA to coordinate the bus’ schedule with that of arrival and departure timings of relevant flights. Plans include operating two luxury buses each from KIA to Tirupati, Kozhikode and Salem, one luxury bus to Madikeri.
Kataria adds, “At present we have 2+2 seat configuration. We are contemplating introducing features like wifi, LED panels for entertainment, toilet and pantry facilities in the buses.” KSRTC also hopes to introduce 1+2 seat configuration if feasible.
