KSRTC is planning to introduce luxury double decker buses in Kochi

Sky City and flyovers may be a distant dream for Kochiites but they may soon have the pleasure of travelling in double decker buses. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is planning to introduce luxury double decker buses in Kochi on the lines of double-deckers operating in London, New York and Dubai.

The body building of new double deckers is in the final stage in Mumbai and is being built by Ashok Leyland for the KSRTC. During the first phase, the KSRTC will ply the double decker buses in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi cities.

The service of the new double deckers is expected to start in February. However, the routes of the double deckers in Kochi have not been finalised.

The double decker bus worth about Rs 33 lakh will have a seating capacity for 75 passengers. The first bus will be operated in Thiruvananthapuram on the Peroorkada, Sasthamangalam, Medical College and Shanghumugham routes.

KSRTC’s double deckers with fluid clutches and automatic lubrication instead of clutch pedal being operated on the Peroorkada, Sasthamangalam, Medical College and Shanghumugham routes are still an inevitable part of Thiruvananthapuram city. “The gorgeous old war horses of KSRTC were an integral part of the Corporation’s rich tradition.

The new double decker bus can be used for sightseeing. It will run as stage carriage services in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi. We have not reached a final decision on the fare,” KSRTC executive director (technical) O P Antony told ‘expresso.’ If the attempt by the KSRTC becomes a hit, it is planning to buy more double deckers for conducting services in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi.
Source

These buses would be running by charging ordinary fare and the routes for Kochi have not been finalised. the first bus will be operated in Thiruvananthapuram on the Peroorkada, Sasthamangalam, Medical College and Shanghumugham routes.

Double decker buses worth Rs-32.5 lakhs will be having the seating capacity of 75 passengers. Double decker from Ashok Leyland is a mass transportation bus and is best suited for intra city movement. The vehicle has a 6 cylindered turbo charged inter cooled diesel engine with a maximum power of 132 PS @ 2400 RPM.
Double decker has a 5 speed synchromesh gear box and a maximum speed of 75 Kmph. The model is equipped with a power steering and dual line full air brakes.

KSRTC is also planning to re-introduce the old warhorse which was ruling Thiruvananthapuram (TR 666). A proposal has been mooted to convert the buses into tourist-friendly ones for sightseeing. The tourism industry has been demanding open-roofed double-deckers for sight seeing in the city. The proposal was on the lines of double-deckers operating in London, New York and Dubai for sightseeing