KSRTC is planning to commence city services to help the passengers avail comfortable mode of transportation in the city.
The Kozhikode cluster of the KSRTC getting 100 low-floor buses, including 30 AC buses. AC low-floor Volvo buses connecting the city with Karipur airport, Calicut University, Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode, National Institute of Technology and other institutions are also on the cards.
The Kozhikode cluster of the KSRTC, comprising Kozhikode, Wayanad and Malappuram districts will get 100 low-floor buses as part of Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) .
“We are expecting 10 AC buses to reach Kozhikode in the first phase and all these buses will carry out service within the city limits,” said Mohammed Safarulla, zonal officer of KSRTC. Apart from ensuring comfortable journey, the introduction of low-floor AC buses will also ease traffic congestion as people depending on cars can use AC buses for their transportation, he said.
The KSRTC officials have already prepared a draft schedule for the buses operating in Kozhikode giving priority to services connecting the city with other major locations.
The schedule will be finalized after getting government nod.
Of the total buses allotted for Kozhikode cluster under the JNNURM scheme, 30 AC buses will carry out city services as the buses are built to be run on city roads. The non-AC buses have been modified to suit hilly roads in Wayanad and other places.
Apart from ensuring premium bus journey, the low-floor buses will also bring relief to aged persons who find it hard to board other buses, owing to the increased height of its entry steps.
The KSRTC will operate schedules connecting Kozhikode railway station – Karipur airport, Beypore-Medical college, Beypore- Elathur, Kozhikode – Calicut University, Medical college- Mavoor, Medical College- NIT-IIM- Mukkom, Kozhikode- Kappad, said Mohammed Safarulla.
The day of commencement of the services will be finalized after getting information from the government, he said.
At least 10 low-floor AC buses are expected to commence service by January end. While the minimum bus fare for AC buses will be Rs 15, the minimum fare for non-AC buses will be Rs 8.
“We have long been demanding the government to introduce AC low-floor buses connecting Karipur airport and Kozhikode railway station to help air passengers and their family members avoid dependence on taxi services,” said C E Chakkunni, office bearer of Calicut Chamber of Commerce and Industries.
The KSRTC officials have already prepared a draft schedule for the buses operating in Kozhikode, giving priority to services connecting the city with major locations
The Kozhikode cluster of KSRTC will get 100 low-floor buses, including 30 AC vehicles.
News: Times of India
