Onam rush: KSRTC rolls out special bus services; how to book
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Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has announced special long-distance and interstate bus services to handle the massive rush expected during the Onam festival season. Passengers can expect additional buses running from August 21 to August 25 and from August 29 to September 3. Advanced seat reservations are already open, allowing commuters to plan their journeys home well ahead of time.
Interstate special services to connect key IT hubs
To accommodate non-resident Keralites planning to return home for the holidays, special interstate services will operate between key cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mysuru and various destinations in Kerala. These services will run from August 18 to September 1 from neighbouring states, with return services operating between August 19 and September 2.
For travellers heading from Bengaluru, KSRTC has scheduled eight services to Kozhikode, four to Kannur, four to Ernakulam, three to Thrissur, and two to Kottayam. Additionally, Super Deluxe and Special Fast Passenger buses will run from Bengaluru to towns including Malappuram, Alappuzha, Kollam, Kottarakkara, Punalur, Cherthala, Haripad, Payyannur, Kanhangad, and Thiruvananthapuram.
Commuters from Mysuru can utilise two special buses to Kannur, and one each to Ernakulam and Thrissur. Meanwhile, Chennai-based travellers can opt for a Super Deluxe service to Thiruvananthapuram or a Multi-Axle AC bus to Ernakulam. Return trips from these Kerala destinations follow a similar schedule.
Booking tickets on WhatsApp
Securing a ticket is now highly convenient for commuters. Passengers can get information on services and book their seats by simply sending a 'Hi' on WhatsApp to 9447071021. Additionally, bookings can be done online through the official portal www.keralartc.com, via the 'Ente KSRTC Neo OPRS' mobile application, or at local reservation counters.
Reduced fares on Volvo Executive Class and weekend specials
In some welcoming news for regular travellers, KSRTC has slashed fares for its new Volvo Executive Class service operating on the Thiruvananthapuram-Ernakulam route. The price has been reduced from ₹671 to ₹505. Running Monday to Friday, the bus departs the capital at 5.30 am and reaches Ernakulam via Kollam and Alappuzha by 9.45 am. The return leg starts from Ernakulam at 5.30 pm and arrives in Thiruvananthapuram by 9.45 pm.
On weekends, the same bus will operate on the Thiruvananthapuram-Guruvayur route for ₹961. The morning trip departs Thiruvananthapuram at 5.30 am and arrives in Guruvayur by 12 noon, while the return bus leaves Guruvayur at 5.30 pm to reach the capital by 12.15 am.
Except on Thiruonam day, KSRTC will maintain full schedules on all days, restructuring routes as needed to avoid delays. The budget tourism wing of KSRTC has also organised special travel packages to popular holiday destinations inside and outside the state based on passenger demand.
