KOCHI: The KSRTC is set to launch its double-decker bus service in the city during the first week of Jan, 2025. The service will exclusively cater to tourist activities.
As per the initial plans, the bus will operate on a 12.5 km long stretch connecting various destinations such as the High Court, Madhava Pharmacy Junction, Jos Junction, Shipyard, Thevara, Naval Base, Toll Bridge, Mattancherry, and Fort Kochi. However, KSRTC officials stated that a trial run will be conducted again before finalising the route. They are also considering alternate routes in case of traffic jams on the proposed route.
"We propose to conduct around six trips a day on this route. If there are any issues like traffic congestion or time-related ones, we will reroute the service. If we get a good footfall, we will consider whether the service can be extended to nighttime," said a senior KSRTC official.
KSRTC conducted feasibility studies on various routes, including that to Tripunithura, but the metro viaduct posed a problem. "Since it is a double-decker bus with a height of around 4.5 m, we can operate it only on a stretch without any overhead obstructions. This is causing the delay in finalising the route," said a KSRTC official.
"We will add more routes as per the public demand," the official added.
Currently, hanging cables along the Fort Kochi - Mattancherry stretch are being removed to make way for the bus. The double-decker bus was launched under the ‘budget tour package' to overcome KSRTC's financial crisis.
Along with this, KSRTC will also start city circular services by introducing 11 new electric buses. This is set to boost connectivity in the city and reduce travel costs.
Kochi Next Forum, a social collective based in the city, has sent a recommendation to KSRTC in which they have suggested 14 circular routes and six radial routes. The most important circular services listed by them are Ernakulam bus stand - Marine Drive -Gandhinagar; MG Road - Vaduthala – Chittoor; Fort Kochi - Aroor – Vyttila; Thevara – Ravipuram; and Vyttila Hub - Kizhakkekotta - Kundannoor. Some of the radial routes they have suggested are from Aluva Metro via Kalady - Perumbavoor and from Vypeen to Cherai and Varapuzha.
