The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation or the KSRTC is set to enhance its public transport services with the introduction of Mangalore-Udupi electric bus service, following the success of its Karkala-Moodbidri-Mangaluru route. Each vehicle can accommodate 45 to 50 seated passengers and up to 25 to 30 standing passengers which makes its total capacity around 70. Here are all of the other important details that you would need to know about this particular bus route that may launch soon.
KSRTC To Soon Launch Mangalore-Udupi Electric Bus Route
According to an article that was recently published by Daijiworld, the new air-conditioned buses will serve the route that stretches across 55 kilometres. Services are planned every half hour from early morning until late night.
As per KSRTC Mangaluru’s Divisional Controller, Rajesh Shetty, the buses can cover the distance in just one hour when stopping only at major stations. The electric fleet’s operational strategy has been carefully planned around charging requirements.
Each fully charged bus has a range of 180 to 200 kilometres, enabling three complete trips before requiring a recharge. The current charging time is two and a half hours, allowing each bus to complete five to six daily trips.
Bus Service To Operate Two Shifts In Total
Charging stations will be strategically located at Bejai Bus Station, Mangaluru’s third depot, and the Udupi depot. This development has been welcomed by regular commuters, including Santhosh, who expressed frustration with the current private bus competition on the route.
The initiative comes as part of a larger sanctioned allocation of 45 electric buses for the division. The implementation awaits the completion of charging infrastructure tender processes. The service will operate in two shifts, with buses being recharged during driver changeovers.
The introduction of these air-conditioned electric buses is particularly significant for the coastal region, where high temperatures and humidity make comfortable travel essential. The move also revives the concept of air-conditioned service on this route, following a previously successful but discontinued AC bus service between Manipal and Mangaluru, which had faced high maintenance costs.
Are you looking forward to the launch of this electric bus route? Let us know in the comments section below!
Cover Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
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