KSRTC To Launch Bengaluru-Puri Direct Bus Service

Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is preparing to introduce its longest daily bus services to date, linking Bengaluru with Puri and Ahmedabad, both situated approximately 1,500 kilometres from the state capital. This move will surpass KSRTC’s current longest routes to Mumbai and Shirdi, which span about 1,000 kilometres.

KSRTC Managing Director V. Anbukumar cited strong demand for long-distance bus services from Bengaluru as the driving force behind this initiative. The corporation aims to leverage its extensive Volvo bus fleet and proven track record to explore these new routes.

While private operators already serve some distant destinations from Bengaluru, including Ahmedabad and various Rajasthan cities, there is currently no direct bus service to Puri, a major pilgrimage site in Odisha.

To launch these services, KSRTC must obtain approvals from the Road Transport Corporations of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. Anbukumar reported that discussions with these RTCs are progressing well, with a positive outcome expected soon.

The proposed air-conditioned sleeper buses will not include toilets, and fares are anticipated to be around ₹2,500. Each journey is expected to take between 27 and 28 hours, with two buses operating per route – one for the outbound trip and another for the return.