KSRTC discontinues Mangaluru-MIA bus service due to low ridership
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

KSRTC discontinues Mangaluru-MIA bus service due to low ridership

The KSRTC low-floor air-conditioned bus service to Mangaluru International Airport (MIA), which commenced in November of last year, has been discontinued, including the service from Manipal. Consequently, Mangaluru International Airport has once again lost its public transport connection.

The Volvo service from Mangaluru to MIA was halted in February, and the Manipal service ceased two months ago, primarily due to low passenger numbers, resulting in financial setbacks for the corporation. The Mangaluru KSRTC division had initiated the operation of three Volvo low-floor air-conditioned buses to MIA from both Mangaluru and Manipal in November. However, the Mangaluru service was discontinued in mid-February after 3.5 months of operation, and the service to Manipal was terminated in July.

Rajesh Shetty, divisional controller at KSRTC, Mangaluru, explained that the Mangaluru-MIA bus consistently operated with few passengers from the beginning. Despite the division's efforts to promote the service, it failed to attract sufficient ridership, leading to the discontinuation of the Mangaluru service in February. Although the Manipal route had a higher number of passengers, it did not generate the anticipated revenue, eventually leading to its cessation in July. Presently, these buses only operate between Mangaluru and Manipal.

Regarding the financial losses, Shetty revealed that each Volvo bus incurred a running cost of Rs 65 per kilometre covered. However, the Mangaluru-MIA bus generated revenue of less than Rs 7 to 8 per kilometre, while the Manipal route generated revenue between Rs 14 and 18 per kilometre.

The KSRTC low-floor air-conditioned bus service to Mangaluru International Airport (MIA), which commenced in November of last year, has been discontinued, including the service from Manipal. Consequently, Mangaluru International Airport has once again lost its public transport connection. The Volvo service from Mangaluru to MIA was halted in February, and the Manipal service ceased two months ago, primarily due to low passenger numbers, resulting in financial setbacks for the corporation. The Mangaluru KSRTC division had initiated the operation of three Volvo low-floor air-conditioned buses to MIA from both Mangaluru and Manipal in November. However, the Mangaluru service was discontinued in mid-February after 3.5 months of operation, and the service to Manipal was terminated in July. Rajesh Shetty, divisional controller at KSRTC, Mangaluru, explained that the Mangaluru-MIA bus consistently operated with few passengers from the beginning. Despite the division's efforts to promote the service, it failed to attract sufficient ridership, leading to the discontinuation of the Mangaluru service in February. Although the Manipal route had a higher number of passengers, it did not generate the anticipated revenue, eventually leading to its cessation in July. Presently, these buses only operate between Mangaluru and Manipal. Regarding the financial losses, Shetty revealed that each Volvo bus incurred a running cost of Rs 65 per kilometre covered. However, the Mangaluru-MIA bus generated revenue of less than Rs 7 to 8 per kilometre, while the Manipal route generated revenue between Rs 14 and 18 per kilometre.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

MMRDA advances 250 m on Orange Gate–Marine Drive tunnel

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has completed 250 m of underground tunnelling for the Orange Gate–Marine Drive Urban Road Tunnel using India’s largest slurry shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) deployed for an urban road project.The project involves twin tunnels extending over 7 km beneath critical transport corridors, including Central Railway, Western Railway and Metro Line 3. The work requires high-precision engineering to navigate densely developed urban infrastructure.Once completed, the tunnel is expected to reduce travel time between Orange Gate and Marin..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Hindustan Zinc Pays Rs 188.46 Billion in FY26

Hindustan Zinc contributed Rs 188.46 billion to the public exchequer in FY 2025-26, according to its 9th Tax Transparency Report. The contribution, equivalent to 46 per cent of the company’s revenue, included direct and indirect taxes, government royalties, dividends to the Government of India, withholding taxes and other statutory levies.The company’s five-year cumulative contribution to the exchequer stood at Rs 915.72 billion. In FY26, Hindustan Zinc reported revenue of Rs 408.44 billion, EBITDA of Rs 221.62 billion and profit after tax of Rs 138.32 billion. It also achieved its highest..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

World of Concrete India 2026 Opens in Mumbai

Informa Markets in India will host the 12th edition of World of Concrete India 2026 from 3–5 June 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The specialised B2B exhibition will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, developers, architects, consultants, infrastructure companies, project leaders and government stakeholders.The event is expected to feature over 350 brands and more than 18,000 trade professionals. It will cover concrete and cement, dry mortar, precast technologies, formwork, construction chemicals, industrial and commercial flooring, scaffolding, safety solutio..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

-->