End of a ride: City Volvo fleet retires

KSRTC withdraws 33 buses after 15 years of service, sends for scrapping

Mysore/Mysuru: The Volvo buses of KSRTC, fondly called the ‘Red Beauty’ by commuters and onlookers, have reached the end of their journey in Mysuru. KSRTC has now officially withdrawn all 33 Volvo buses after they crossed the    15-year age limit.

Known for their air-conditioned comfort, safety features and smooth ride, the buses were once a symbol of luxury public transport in the city.

The move follows strict directives from the Central Government that vehicles older than 15 years must be scrapped and cannot be used for public transport. Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) have also been instructed not to issue Fitness Certificates (FC) for such vehicles under any circumstances.

As all Volvo buses in Mysuru had completed 15 years of service, KSRTC discontinued their operations and sent them to scrap yards.

Globally known for their advanced safety features, sustainability and premium travel experience, Volvo buses have earned a strong reputation in public transport systems. When introduced in India, they offered passengers a distinctly comfortable travel option, particularly for longer journeys.

Inducted in 2011

In Mysuru, KSRTC inducted 33 Volvo buses in 2011 under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM) scheme, marking the beginning of premium bus services in the city.

While a regular city bus costs around Rs. 40 lakh to Rs. 50 lakh, each Volvo bus was priced between Rs. 90 lakh and Rs. 1.2 crore. Despite their modest mileage of 2 to 2.5 km per litre, KSRTC invested in the fleet to provide Mysuru residents with a high-quality travel experience.

Compared to ordinary buses, the Volvo services offered a distinctly superior ride. Even with higher ticket fares, many passengers preferred them for their comfort and safety features such as seat belts, emergency exits and anti-skid systems. Their striking red colour soon earned them the affectionate nickname ‘Red Beauty.’

IT corridor, Chamundi Hill

The buses were particularly popular on routes serving Mysuru’s IT corridor, especially Hebbal, home to campuses of Infosys, Wipro and other companies. Many IT professionals preferred the Volvo buses despite the higher fares.

Apart from Hebbal, the buses operated across several major localities, including Vijayanagar, J.P. Nagar, Chamundi Hill, Dattagalli and Kuvempunagar, offering air-conditioned travel within the city.

With the scrapping of all 33 buses, the ‘Red Beauty’ has now disappeared from Mysuru’s roads. While the buses are gone, the comfort and elegance they brought to the city’s public transport will remain a cherished memory for many residents.