Karnataka: KSRTC floats tender to convert 100 multi-axle seater buses to sleeper coach.

BENGALURU: As demand increased for sleeper buses on long-distance routes, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation

(KSRTC) has raised a tender to convert 100 multi-axle seaters buses into sleeper coaches KSRTC officials said tenders will be finalized by the end of October. Volvo, Scania and Mercedes Benz multi-axle seater buses which have covered 10 lakh km or crossed 6-7 years will be used. “According to the Motor Vehicle Act, a vehicle can be operated for up to 15 years. These

multi-axle buses, which are in good condition, will run under Ambaari Dream Class segment. Most passengers now prefer AC sleeper coaches over sitting ones, especially for overnight journeys. The demand has increased over the years. If our financial condition improves, we will induct more non-AC sleeper buses,” said a senior and also officials said converted buses will be deployed from Bengaluru to places like Hyderabad, Chennai, Vijayawada, Nellore, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Calicut, Madurai, Coimbatore, Pune, Panjim and Kolhapur.

In 2002, KSRTC became the first state-run bus corporation in the country to induct Volvo single-axle AC seater under Airavat brand. In 2009, it introduced Ambaari (Corona single-axle AC sleeper) buses.

At present, KSRTC has 73 AC sleeper buses, 115 non-AC sleeper buses, 483 AC seater and 8,002 non-AC seater buses plying on various routes. This includes 42 Ambaari Dream Class (multi- axle Volvo AC sleeper) buses.

BMTC has also decided to put on hold its move to convert its AC Volvo buses to non-AC buses to reduce its losses. It had planned to replace fixed windows of Volvo buses with sliding one also they have planned to convert two buses into non-AC ones and them on long-distance routes like Bidadi, Attibele, Hoskote, Devanahalli, Doddaballapur and Nelamangala on a pilot basis.

“This is because the conversion cost is more. Also, now more offices are opening and air traffic movements are increasing, we’re hoping the demand may go up. So we decided to wait and watch,” said an official.

FEATURES AMBARRI DREAM CLASS VOlVO MULTI AXER SLEEPER BUS.

1.Congest Bus in Asia 15 meters long.

2.BS IV Engine with 410 HP and electronically Controlled breaking system .

3.Fire Detection and Suppression system Room ventilator and panoramic windows

4. 40 spacious sleeper Berths manufactured as per AIS 119

5.Mobile charging points

6.Bottle Holder

7.Emergency door at middle of the middle of

the bus as per CMVR Regulations

8.LED light

9.Awesome Graphics

Jennifer