Interview Times 
BHUBANESWAR: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is gearing up to launch its longest bus route yet, connecting Bengaluru with the sacred city of Puri in Odisha. This new service will also include stops at Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, and will span over 1,500 kilometres, taking approximately 18 hours one way. The buses will traverse through key cities like Tirupati, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam, making it a vital route for both passengers and pilgrims.
This new route to Puri is KSRTC’s response to numerous requests for a direct service to the Jagannath Temple, one of India’s most visited religious sites. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy confirmed the launch, stating, “As this will be KSRTC’s longest route, we are deploying our best buses to ensure passenger comfort.”
KSRTC plans to deploy its state-of-the-art Ambaari Utsav sleeper buses for this long journey. These European-style, multi-axle air-conditioned sleeper coaches are specifically designed to provide comfort during long-distance travel. Each bus features 40 spacious sleeping berths, panoramic windows, USB ports, air vents, personal reading lights, and ample headroom, ensuring a pleasant experience for passengers. Additionally, mobile holders and dedicated power outlets are available for each berth, enhancing convenience for tech-savvy travelers.
Launched in 2023 with the tagline “Celebration of Journey,” the Ambaari Utsav buses are already a hit on existing routes such as Bengaluru to Mangaluru, Thrissur, Hyderabad, and Chennai. KSRTC Managing Director V. Anbukumar highlighted that these buses are designed to make long journeys more bearable, with strategically planned stops at quality locations along the route to ensure passenger comfort.
For seamless operations within Odisha, KSRTC is in discussions with the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC), and the response has been positive. Officials from Odisha have been studying the route to ensure smooth integration of services. Additionally, both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, through which the buses will pass, have shown support for the new route.
The service will operate with two buses on the same route — one bus departing from Bengaluru and the other returning from Puri on the same day. This will ensure efficient operations and minimal delays. “The route will not only connect Bengaluru with Puri but also serve as a link to major cities like Tirupati, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam, which will likely generate additional revenue for KSRTC,” said Anbukumar.
To meet the growing demand for long-distance travel, KSRTC is planning to expand its fleet of Ambaari Utsav sleeper buses. At present, the corporation operates 20 such buses, with plans to add 20 more to cater to increased passenger demand. Each bus, procured from Volvo at a cost of ₹1.73 crore, is equipped with advanced technology and luxurious features, making them ideal for lengthy routes like the new Bengaluru-Puri service.
KSRTC’s decision to extend its services to Odisha marks an important step in enhancing interstate connectivity and offering passengers a luxurious travel experience. With a growing fleet of high-tech Ambaari Utsav buses, the corporation is set to cater to both pilgrims and tourists, ensuring that the journey to the Jagannath Temple in Puri is as comfortable as possible.
