Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) launched new non-AC buses, called Ashwamedha Classic, for point-to-point express service, in front of Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on February 5, 2024.
| Photo Credit: K Murali Kumar
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah flagged off 100 upgraded versions of Karnataka Sarige buses, operated by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), on February 5.
The new buses, branded ‘Ashwamedha Classic’, carry the tagline ‘Journey Redefined’. They will be operated by KSRTC on point-to-point routes between district headquarters and Bengaluru.
“No new bus has been inducted for the past six years. In the current year, 5,800 buses will be added to the STUs’ fleet to enhance convenience for passengers and students,” Mr. Siddaramaiah said.
He informed that the corporation has introduced several passenger-friendly schemes and implemented innovative labour welfare programmes.
Features of new Ashvamedha Classic buses of KSRTC
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said, “The new buses have 50 seats each. They are equipped with front and rear LED destination boards, pneumatic doors with sensors, and an emergency button.”
According to officials, the bus features a 3.4-meter overall vehicle height (an increase from the previous 3.2 meters buses), high-back seats with quality cushioning, magazine pouches, and water bottle holders.
It also boasts a wider front windshield (70 inches by 97 inches, up from the previous 46 inches by 97 inches), a broader rear windshield, expanded passenger window frame and glass, wider louver glass, and a two-row roof grab rail.
Additional enhancements include front and rear LED destination boards, advertisement-type hand grips, an FRP dashboard, two-way roof (saloon) LED strip lights, strip-type LED lights on the entrance footstep, front and rear cameras, Electronic Vehicle Stability Control (EVSC), a vehicle location tracking unit, panic buttons, and a public address system.
KSRTC to induct 948 diesel and 300 electric buses this year
Mr. Reddy said that, in order to encourage mass public transportation and enhance passenger services, the Corporation has outlined plans to introduce 948 diesel and 300 electric (G.C.C. Model) new buses in the ongoing year. “As of December 2023, KSRTC has already incorporated a total of 180 buses (comprising 153 diesel and 27 electric buses). To support this initiative, the government has allocated ₹ 100 crore. Similarly 200 Ashok Leyland ordinary Karnataka Sarige buses will be inducted to the Corporation’s fleet and currently 15 buses are under trail run,” he added.
