KSRTC Ashwamedha Classic Point-to-Point Bus Route, Fares & Online Booking

On February 5, 2024, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah introduced a pioneering addition to Karnataka’s public transport network – the KSRTC Ashwamedha Classic.

Accompanied by much fanfare, the Chief Minister flagged off the inaugural batch of 100 KSRTC Ashwamedha Classic buses from the iconic Vidhan Soudha.

The KSRTC Ashwamedha Classic buses represent an upgraded version of the traditional Karnataka Sarige buses.

With an enhanced focus on passenger comfort and amenities, these non-AC buses promise a more enjoyable and convenient travel experience for commuters.

The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will operate the Ashwamedha Classic buses as a “Point-to-Point” service, connecting various district headquarters with Bengaluru.

This strategic approach aims to streamline intra-state travel and improve accessibility for passengers across Karnataka.

ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿ @siddaramaiah ಅವರು ಇಂದು ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ರಾಜ್ಯ ರಸ್ತೆ ಸಾರಿಗೆ ನಿಗಮದ ವತಿಯಿಂದ ವಿಧಾನಸೌಧದ ಮುಂಭಾಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಆಯೋಜಿಸಲಾಗಿದ್ದ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದಲ್ಲಿ "100 ಹೊಸ ವಿನ್ಯಾಸದ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಸಾರಿಗೆ ಬಸ್ಸುಗಳ ( ಅಶ್ವಮೇಧ – ಪಾಯಿಂಟ್ ಟು ಪಾಯಿಂಟ್ ಎಕ್ಸ್‌ಪ್ರೆಸ್ ) ಬಸ್ಸುಗಳನ್ನು ಲೋಕಾರ್ಪಣೆ ಮಾಡಿದರು. pic.twitter.com/HLC9PbRhrw

— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) February 5, 2024

What are the KSRTC Ashwamedha Classic Buses?

The newly launched Ashwamedha Classic buses by KSRTC are non-air-conditioned, seater buses engineered to offer passengers a comfortable and budget-friendly travel experience. They also feature a new livery

As an upgraded version of the KSRTC Sarige buses, they boast enhanced comfort and amenities, setting a new standard in intra-state transportation.

The KSRTC Ashwamedha Classic buses are built by KMS Coach Builders Pvt. Ltd. on the Ashok Leyland Viking model with 210 inch wheel base and 147 kW (197 hp) engine.

These buses feature 50 seats in total in a 3+2 layout.

Why was the KSRTC Ashwamedha Classic Bus Service Launched?

During the launch event, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy emphasized that the introduction of the new buses would alleviate the transportation challenges faced by students commuting to schools and colleges.

Additionally, he noted that the KSRTC Ashwamedha Classic Bus Service would cater to the increasing demand for religious trips.

“Furthermore, the surge in ridership demand, particularly after the initiation of the Shakti Scheme, underscores the necessity for enhanced transportation options. Following the scheme’s launch, passenger numbers across all four RTCs witnessed a notable increase, with figures soaring by nearly 25 lakh from the previous count of 84 lakh,” Reddy added.

Also Read: The 10 Best Electric Buses in India With Range

Difference Between KSRTC Ashwamedha Classic and Sarige Buses

The KSRTC Ashwamedha Classic buses stand out from the existing Karnataka Sarige buses in several aspects.

Firstly, the Ashwamedha Classic buses have an overall height of 3.420 meters, offering more interior space compared to the 3.190-meter height of Sarige buses.

Additionally, the Ashwamedha Classic buses feature a modern design with larger glass sizes for windscreen and passenger windows, enhancing visibility and aesthetics.

Moreover, the seating arrangement in the Ashwamedha Classic buses is designed for comfort and convenience, with ergonomic seats, footboard lighting, and enhanced passenger grab handles.

These differences reflect the KSRTC’s commitment to upgrading its fleet to provide a superior travel experience for passengers.

Also read: In Pics: The Evolution of Prakash Tourist Buses Over the Last 50 Years

Moreover, the Ashwamedha Point-to-Point buses sport a fresh livery featuring Lord Rama’s sacred white horse and other iconic symbols from Karnataka’s cultural heritage.

The buses also display the slogan “Journey Redefined,” encapsulating a renewed travel experience

The following table highlights the key differences of dimensions between KSRTC Ashwamedha Classic and Karnataka Sarige buses:

Ashwamedha Classic Bus Features and Amenities

The 52-seater bus is outfitted with various safety and convenience features, including two security cameras, a panic button, wider legroom for passengers, mobile battery charging slots, emergency stop buttons, and a center mirror.

Additionally, to elevate the travel experience, the KSRTC Ashwamedha Classic buses are equipped with high-back, bucket-type seats with premium cushioning, magazine pouches, and water bottle holders.

Also Read: Video of Prakash Bus Body Builders’ shoddy paint quality goes viral

KSRTC Ashwamedha Classic Bus Routes

As of now, the newly introduced KSRTC Ashwamedha Classic bus routes are as follows:

• Mysuru to Bengaluru
• Hunsur to Bengaluru
• K.R. Nagar to Bengaluru

Once the KSRTC receives the next batch of buses, they plan to expand the routes further. The official announcement regarding the new routes will be made once the expansion plans are finalized.

Initially, the Mysuru KSRTC Division suggested deploying 20 of these buses, but for the launch, the KSRTC has designated 15 buses, as confirmed by Mysuru KSRTC Divisional Controller Srinivas.

Also Read: List of Made in India Hydrogen Buses Empowering Sustainable Mobility

KSRTC Ashwamedha Classic Bus Fare

Despite the upgraded features and enhanced comfort provided by the KSRTC Ashwamedha Classic buses, passengers will not have to pay a higher fare, making it accessible to a wide range of commuters.

The fare for the ‘Ashwamedha’ bus remains consistent with that of the Karnataka Sarige buses, ensuring affordability for passengers.

Here are the KSRTC Ashwamedha Classic bus fares for the three routes:

KSRTC Ashwamedha Classic Bus Online Booking

Booking a KSRTC Ashwamedha Classic Bus online is a seamless process, offering convenience to passengers.

Currently, these buses can be booked through the  KSRTC’s official website or the official KSRTC Awatar New mobile app.

While the KSRTC Ashwamedha Classic buses may not be available on the website/app at the time of writing, they will be accessible soon.

For additional guidance, refer to our step-by-step guide on Karnataka KSRTC online bus booking.

Additionally, you can also book these buses on Abhi Bus.

Also Read: Long Weekend Travel Trends by Bus: Abhibus Insights 2024

KSRTC to add 1000 buses in 2024

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah took to Twitter to announce that the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will be inducting one thousand buses this year.

Highlighting the significance of this move, he noted that no new buses had been added for the past four years, and approximately 3,800 buses were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initiative aims to enhance travel convenience and efficiency by introducing new buses to the KSRTC fleet.

ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿ @siddaramaiah ಅವರು ಇಂದು ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ರಾಜ್ಯ ರಸ್ತೆ ಸಾರಿಗೆ ನಿಗಮದ ವತಿಯಿಂದ 100 ಹೊಸ ವಿನ್ಯಾಸದ ಅಶ್ವಮೇಧ ಬಸ್‌ಗಳನ್ನು ಲೋಕಾರ್ಪಣೆ ಮಾಡಿ, ಮಾತನಾಡಿದರು.

ಶಕ್ತಿ ಯೋಜನೆಯಡಿ 146 ಕೋಟಿ ಮಹಿಳೆಯರು ಹಾಗೂ ಶಾಲಾ ವಿದ್ಯಾರ್ಥಿನಿಯರು ಉಚಿತವಾಗಿ ಪ್ರಯಾಣ ಮಾಡಿದ್ದು, ಮಹಿಳಾ ಸಬಲೀಕರಣಕ್ಕೆ ಶಕ್ತಿ ಯೋಜನೆ ಪೂರಕವಾಗಿದೆ.

ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ… pic.twitter.com/C7GgLJUNwf

— CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) February 5, 2024