Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Sep 11: The Karnataka government has introduced a new digital facility as a Dasara gift to passengers in the state, enabling them to book tickets for state road transport corporation buses directly through WhatsApp, eliminating the need to stand in queues for bus tickets.

The state government has launched the ‘One Karnataka Mobility App’, bringing the services of the state’s four road transport corporations under a single digital platform. Along with this, a WhatsApp ticket-booking facility has been introduced for buses operated by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC).

Chief minister D K Shivakumar launched the upgraded KSRTC Avatar 2.0 mobile app and the WhatsApp ticketing service at a programme held at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on Thursday.

The mobility app will feature a secure user-access system, allowing passengers to view details of their previous ticket bookings and manage transactions. The app will also enable users to lodge complaints related to all four road transport corporations on a single platform, check the status of complaints, file appeals if necessary and track the progress of resolution.

A digital monthly pass facility will be introduced in phases. Through this facility, passengers will be able to book, receive and manage bus passes online. A QR code-based digital verification system will also be provided.

Under the WhatsApp ticketing service, passengers can book tickets for KSRTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC buses by sending a message to +91 6364940880. An interactive system will guide passengers step by step through the ticket-booking process.

Tickets booked through WhatsApp can also be cancelled through the same number. For this, passengers need to select the ‘Ticket Cancellation’ option and enter the PNR number, mobile number and transaction password received at the time of booking.