KSRTC launches rapid fix plan for roadside breakdowns on inter-state routes: How it will help passengers

To put an end to the long waits and chaos that follow bus breakdowns, the KSRTC has decided to station spare buses and round-the-clock repair teams on major inter-state routes from Bengaluru. These standby buses will be deployed at the inter-state border points near Bathery and Palakkad, as well as at Salem in Tamil Nadu. If buses heading to southern Kerala encounter an issue, the spare-bus unit at Salem will be activated. Availability of buses on standby will also be ensured at the Bengaluru Satellite Terminals well. 

What's in response to
This emergency measure comes in response to widespread complaints from passengers who have been left waiting on highways for long hours following bus breakdowns, despite the induction of new buses into the KSRTTC's fleet.

Breakdowns, especially of special services operated on weekends and festive seasons, have been affecting KSRTC’s revenue. Just last week, an AC sleeper bus bound for Ernakulam from Bengaluru broke down at Huskuru near the Electronic City. A replacement non-AC superfast bus arrived only after two hours. Passengers were taken to Palakkad on this bus, after which an AC seater service was arranged to complete the journey. 

Rapid repair team
KSRTC will also strengthen its Rapid Repair Team (RRT) to assist stranded buses due to mechanical issues. The RRT under the Bathery Depot will extend support from the Muthanga inter-state border up to Mysuru. At the same time, the team under the Palakkad Depot will cover the stretch from Walayar to Salem. Each repair van will be staffed with two mechanics and equipped with tyres and essential spare parts. The RRT will function around the clock.

Karnataka RTC has already demonstrated the effectiveness of such mobile repair units on routes to Tamil Nadu and Kerala. During festival seasons, its mobile team is deployed between Hosur and Krishnagiri for Bengaluru–Salem services. A spare bus facility is also ensured at Coimbatore. For services to Kozhikode and Kannur, a mobile team and a standby bus are stationed in Mysuru.

Booking occupancy in Vande Bharat touches 127%
A month after the launch of the KSR Bengaluru–Ernakulam Vande Bharat Express, online booking occupancy in the service has surged past 127%. On Sundays, bookings on the Ernakulam–Bengaluru route have reached 140%. At present, no tickets are available in either direction until mid-January. Indian Railways assesses occupancy by including both confirmed and waiting-list passengers. With demand steadily rising, there is growing pressure to increase the number of coaches on the Bengaluru–Ernakulam Vande Bharat from the current eight to 16.