Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Jul 20: Anbu Kumar, managing director of the KSRTC said that 500 buses that have completed 10 lac km mileage, are renovated and they look like new ones.

“A new bus costs around Rs 40 lac. Our staff is renovating old buses at the cost of Rs three lac each. The buses are also getting new looks. During Covid, the KSRTC incurred huge losses. Now things are back on track. Hence, the idea of renovating old buses came into our plan.”

Explaining the criteria behind selecting bus for renovation, Anbu said, “We select buses that are either 10 years old or have ran 10 lac km. Once the bus is selected, its chassis is completely removed. If the chassis is worn out, it is repaired. From seats to windows, all parts are changed. Outer body of the bus is also reconstructed.

“Most of the buses will have the same engine. Only if required, the engine is renewed. However, the buses are withdrawn from service once they complete 15 years after renovation. In this manner, the corporation is able to save crores of rupees. Various depots are competing with one another for the renovation work of buses,” he said.