Kochi: Karnataka has given the nod for transit passage of a total of 4,420 km through its state that would enable the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) to operate long-haul bus services to destinations like Hyderabad, Mumbai, Goa, Puttambarti and Tirupati soon. The supplemental inter-state reciprocal transport agreement between Kerala and Karnataka was signed by Kerala RTC managing director Antony Chacko and his counterpart Rajendra Kumar Kataria on August 22.
“Now, two step procedures remain before we can operate new inter-state services – a secretary level pact and notification by governments,” Mr Antony Chacko said. The inter-state pact was also vital to get nod of other states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa and Maharashtra. KSRTC had announced its plans to operate AC multi-axle buses to Panaji, Mumbai, Hyder-abad, Tirupati and Putta-parthi from Kozhikode and Ernakulam stations over a year ago. It had even purchased 18 Scania buses by doling out '23 crore four months back and gave training to crew.
Due to delay in getting permission, the buses are now being operated to Mysore, Mookambika, Mangalore and Coimbatore. Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu counterparts have informed the KSRTC officials that it request for operating services to Chennai, a long pending demand of passengers, would be considered next week. “The crew and the buses are ready. We’ll operate the buses the next day of receiving permission as the sector is a heavy demand one,” the officer said.
