Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, Jan 19: Buoyed by the positive response to its Karkala-Moodbidri-Mangaluru route, KSRTC is planning to introduce 10 electric buses between Mangaluru and Udupi.
Rajesh Shetty, Divisional Controller of KSRTC Mangaluru, said, “Currently, only two KSRTC buses are operating on this route, and both are full of passengers. The public has been requesting more buses. A total of 45 electric buses have been sanctioned for our division. We are now in the process of setting up charging stations. Once the tender process for these stations is complete, the buses will begin running on the Mangaluru-Udupi route.”
He explained that it takes about two and a half hours to fully charge the electric buses, which have a range of 180 to 200 km. “A fully charged bus can complete three trips before needing to recharge. This means each bus will be able to run five to six trips in a day. We plan to offer services every 30 minutes, operating from early morning until late night. If charging times are reduced in the future, more trips can be added.”
Each electric bus will have 45 seats and can accommodate 60 to 70 passengers when standing. “If the bus stops only at major stops, the 55 km distance between Udupi and Mangaluru can be covered in one hour. We plan to run one shift from morning to afternoon and another from afternoon to late night. The buses will be recharged while the drivers change shifts,” he added.
KSRTC also plans to set up charging stations at Bejai Bus Station, the third depot in Mangaluru, and the Udupi depot.
Santhosh, a regular commuter between Udupi and Mangaluru, commented, “Passengers are fed up with the fierce competition between private buses on this route. If KSRTC buses are introduced, it will be much more convenient for us.”
Rajesh Shetty further stated, “Electric buses will be air-conditioned. There was previously an AC bus service between Manipal and Mangaluru that was very popular, but it was discontinued due to high maintenance costs. Given the heat and humidity in the coastal region, the introduction of AC buses will be well received by the public.”