It has been a year since KSTRC Munnar’s depot joined hands with the tourism department. And it has been a successful ride ever since. They had introduced sleeper coach buses for Munnar tourists for overnight stay at reasonable rates. Two deluxe buses were converted into sleepers with 16 berths. They started this service on November 14, 2020.
In a year, KSTRC has managed to rake up profits. Currently, there are seven buses that have been overhauled into sleeper coaches. The depot got a profit of Rs 14,33,970 during this one year. Each bed will cost Rs 100 from 6 pm till noon the next day and the customer will have to pay an amount equivalent to the rent as a security deposit.
Around 16 people can lodge inside the bus at a time. If needed, they will provide you with a blanket and hot water for an additional amount of money. A tourist group can book an entire sleeper bus. KSRTC had also renovated the toilet complex in the depot for their customers. It also partnered with nearby restaurants to provide food in the bus. It is said that KSRTC first launched sleeper buses for its crew after they complained of poor facilities while waiting for passengers at the airport during the lockdown.
In the last year, around 12,073 people have utilized this sleeper facility. These buses are stationed at the bus stands. Once these sleeper coaches became popular, they thought of introducing the concept of sightseeing buses. This service is available for tourists towards places like Kanthaloor and Top station.
Though the pandemic put a lid on the services to Kanthaloor, the bus is still continuing its service to the top station. This service started on January 1. For now, around 7107 people availed this service and toured Munnar. So far, they have collected Rs 16,90,500.
KSRTC MD Biju Prabhakar, Munnar depot in charge Savi George are the people behind this project. Also, the exclusive bus service from Malabar aided in the success of sleeper coach and sightseeing services.
