KSRTC plans induction of 644 new buses to strengthen rural services

The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is planning to induct 644 new BS-VI diesel buses, a move aimed at strengthening bus connectivity in rural parts of the State where public transport services remain limited.

According to officials, the proposed fleet expansion will include 500 regular buses and 144 double-door mofussil buses, with a majority of these vehicles earmarked for rural routes. “We have planned to induct 644 buses, which will ply between key areas in the State. Most of them will be deployed in rural areas where demand has increased sharply,” a KSRTC official said.

The demand for State-run buses has risen significantly since June 2023, following the launch of the Shakti scheme, which provides free travel for women in non-premium buses operated by State transport corporations.

Officials said that while the scheme has improved mobility for women across Karnataka, it has also placed additional pressure on existing fleets, particularly in mofussil and rural areas where services.

26,028 buses operated by State transport undertakings

Data accessed by The Hindu shows that Karnataka currently has a total of 26,028 buses operated by State transport undertakings. Of these, KSRTC operates 8,759 buses, while Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) runs 7,051 buses. The North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) has a fleet of 5,289 buses, and the Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC) operates 4,929 buses.

The officials said that KSRTC has been steadily adding to its fleet over the past few years. Between 2023-24 and 2025-26, the corporation has added 1,288 buses. As part of this expansion, 70 new non-AC sleeper buses have also been ordered and are expected to be inducted by March 2026.

“These additions were planned after the introduction of the Shakti scheme to improve bus facilities and meet the surge in passenger demand. Strengthening rural connectivity remains a key priority for the corporation,” the official said.