Bangalore: KSRTC Bus Depot at Udupi, Divisional Workshop in Puttur

From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, Jan 23: A new bus depot of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation will set up in Udupi while a divisional workshop and a new bus stand are being set up in Puttur, Transport Minister R Ashok announced on Monday.

Addressing reporters in Bangalore on Monday, he said the Udupi bus depot is among the five new bus depots being set up by KSRTC under the public-private-partnership model.

The other four bus depots are being set up in Mysore, Tumkur, Challakere and Hassan.

The minister said the Volvo hybrid bus, unveiled at the Delhi Auto Expo earlier this
month, will be launched on Bangalore roads soon.

The 105-seater single bus would have a two-month trial run in the city.

The trail run would commence from this month itself.

According to a preliminary report, the minister said the hybrid bus reduces diesel fuel costs by 30 per cent besides being environment friendly with significantly less emission levels.

He said the Volvo 7700 hybrid has a diesel engine and an electric motor, which can be used either independently or jointly.

The battery that drives the motor of the bus is charged through re-generative braking. The engine shuts off when the vehicle is stationary and does not start again till the bus reaches 15 to 20 kmph, thereby further saving fuel, he said.

The foundation stone would be laid tomorrow for a new depot of Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation at Devanahalli in the city outskirts.

The new bus stand of BMTC at Devanahalli would be constructed on a 3.24 acre plot, he said.