KSRTC to divert 85 superfast buses

The KSRTC will divert 85 superfast buses through the Edapally-Vytilla-Aroor stretch of NH 47, to save on time, fuel and wear-and-tear of the buses.



Passengers will be able to save at least an hour that they now endure through congested routes when the buses pass through the city hub and West Kochi. The regional authorities of the agency had submitted to the head office a list of 46 south-bound and 39 north-bound buses that can be diverted through the highway. This would mean that almost half the number of superfast buses that currently pass through the Ernakulam bus stand would be diverted through the highway. This would also reduce congestion in the city hub, as many of these buses operate two or more daily trips through the city.



Since superfast buses from different RTC units operate trips through Ernakulam, the schedule of each bus would have to be reworked, said an official. Buses which ply shorter distances might even be able to ply an additional trip daily, utilising the time saved on the other trips. On its part, the KSRTC would have to ready a full-fledged station-master office and parking area at Vytilla for the superfast buses that would be diverted.



�The diversion will not seriously affect commuters to West Kochi since the RTC�s ordinary, fast passenger and rest of the superfast buses would continue to operate through there