KSRTC’s New ‘Executive Class’ Volvo Buses to Hit Roads Ahead of Onam

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 2:

Two luxury Volvo buses purchased by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) during the previous government’s tenure are set to begin operations ahead of Onam, nearly three months after they were brought to the Thiruvananthapuram Central Workshop.

The buses, which together cost around Rs 4 crore, will enter service with changes to their name, exterior colour and proposed routes. The premium service, earlier branded “Business Class” by former Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar, has been renamed “Executive Class” following directions from Transport Minister C.P. John.

KSRTC has also decided to modify the colour scheme of the buses before their launch. The rebranding and repainting are expected to cost the corporation an additional Rs 1 lakh.

The high-end buses have been designed to provide passengers with an airline-style travel experience. They feature premium reclining seats modelled on business-class cabins, besides a pantry and toilet. Other passenger amenities include individual television screens, Wi-Fi connectivity and mobile phone charging facilities.

Changes have also been made to the routes initially proposed for the two buses. While one will operate between Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam as originally planned, the second will be deployed on the interstate Alappuzha-Bengaluru route.

KSRTC had earlier proposed introducing “bus hostesses” on both premium services, similar to cabin crew on aircraft. Under the revised arrangement, however, the facility will be provided only on the Thiruvananthapuram-Ernakulam service.

The launch comes amid uncertainty over KSRTC’s request for a tax exemption for the two vehicles. The proposal is awaiting approval from Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan.

Officials said concerns in the Finance Department over tax exemptions granted to KSRTC buses during the previous government’s tenure have contributed to the delay in deciding on the latest request. Despite the pending issue, preparations are under way to roll out the Executive Class services before the Onam festival.