Bengaluru: A new service by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) to Tirupati-Tirumala has become a big revenue earner for the state-run corporation with over 30,000 pilgrims using the service since its launch in July 2018, KSRTC sources told Deccan Chronicle.
The service, which is a packaged tour, was launched in collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. “Passenger numbers are increasing in every trip and we are operating two buses every day four days a week with different pickup points. Now, we are forced to increase the number of buses and operations,” the official said.
The package tour includes travel by Airavata multi-axle bus, breakfast, lunch, ‘shigra darshan’ at Tirumala and transit between Tirupati and Tirumala. The tour will start from Bengaluru at 10 pm and the return journey begins at the same time the next day. The weekday fare is fixed at '2,000, while those travelling during weekends have to shell out '2,500.
“Weekend fares are applicable for departures from Bengaluru on Friday and Saturday. Commuters can book tickets online “
or through KSRTC’s authorised counters.
With over 30,000 passengers, we have earned revenues of '1.21 crore with profits of over '30 lakh. Over the next few days, we will take a decision to increase the number of buses and pickup points to help people,” the official said.
Travellers have also been requesting package tours to Madikeri, Hampi, Jog Falls and Mysuru. Apart from Tirupati, these package tours too have been successful. KSTDC has 16 package tours, including temples of Karnataka, Tirupati, daily trip to Mysuru, Kerala and hill stations of Ooty and Kodaikanal.
