More than 12,000 passengers enjoyed the rides last season

Mysuru: The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) is gearing up to deploy its popular ‘Ambaari’ open-top double-decker buses for the upcoming Dasara festival.

Speaking to Star of Mysore this morning, KSTDC Mysuru Manager K.R. Madhuraj said the Corporation plans to operate six ‘Ambaari’ buses during the 21-day Dasara illumination period.

“Trips will begin as soon as the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) switches on the city’s colourful illumination and themed installations,” he said.

Each bus has a seating capacity of 47 and will operate three trips at 6.30 pm, 8 pm and 9.30 pm. Tickets will cost Rs. 250 for the lower deck and Rs. 500 for the upper deck.

On weekends, only two trips will be operated due to the expected rush, as running three trips would be impractical, he said.

Of the six Ambaari buses in the KSTDC fleet, one is currently operating in Mysuru and five are stationed in Bengaluru. The Mysuru bus has been sent to the manufacturer for servicing and the Corporation plans to bring all six buses together for Dasara.

A proposal has also been submitted by Deputy CM Dr. G. Parameshwara seeking one Ambaari bus for Tumakuru Dasara. A decision is awaited on this. If approved, five buses will operate in Mysuru. Otherwise, all six will be deployed here, Madhuraj said.

All buses will undergo thorough maintenance, servicing and fitness certification before being pressed into service.

Starting from Mayura Hoysala on JLB Road, the buses will travel via Hunsur Road, Crawford Hall, Maharaja’s College Grounds, Ramaswamy Circle, Chamaraja Double Road, Gun House Circle, Hardinge Circle, K.R. Circle, Sayyaji Rao Road, Government Ayurveda Circle and Railway Station Junction before returning to Mayura Hotel.

More than 12,000 passengers used the open-top bus rides during last year’s 21-day Dasara illumination period, with annual ridership increasing by around 2,000 passengers in recent years.