In a major move to accommodate the massive surge in travelers during the Onam festival, the Karnataka government has ordered the operation of 150 special KSRTC bus services from Karnataka to Kerala. The directive was issued by Karnataka Transport Minister B.S. Basararaj Urs.

The decision comes after a formal request by MP K.C. Venugopal, highlighting the struggles of commuters. Travelers have been facing significant difficulties due to the unavailability of train tickets and the predatory pricing practiced by private bus operators. While initially only 60 buses were announced, the number has been significantly increased to 150 to meet the demand.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that during major regional festivals like Onam, the sudden spike in inter-state migration puts immense pressure on existing transport networks. By increasing the fleet, the government is effectively stabilizing travel costs and ensuring safer transit for thousands of families.

Strategic expansion of public transport during peak festive seasons is essential to curb illegal fare hikes by private entities.

The services will originate from Bengaluru and cater to major Kerala districts including Kozhikode, Kottayam, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Alappuzha, Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kasaragod. The schedule is set for August 21 to 25 for trips to Kerala, and August 27 to 30 for return journeys to Karnataka.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which major cities will these buses cover?
The buses will connect Bengaluru to key destinations like Kozhikode, Ernakulam, and Thiruvananthapuram.

2. Why were the number of buses increased?
The count was increased from 60 to 150 to address the high demand and the shortage of train availability.