Kochi: Kerala Transport Minister KB Ganesh Kumar has announced that Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will soon introduce business class buses equipped with premium facilities, including a toilet, pantry and onboard service by a bus hostess.

The new service will initially operate on the Thiruvananthapuram-Kochi route, with the buses expected to be introduced by March 15, the minister said.

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According to the minister, one bus will depart from Kochi in the morning to Thiruvananthapuram and another from Thiruvananthapuram to Kochi. The service is expected to complete the journey in around three-and-a-half hours.

The buses will stop only at Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram, ensuring faster travel between the two cities.

Premium facilities onboard

The business class buses will feature toilets and pantry facilities, allowing passengers to order food in advance by checking the menu before boarding.

The service is designed to offer an airline-style travel experience on the road.

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The minister said ticket verification will be handled by a bus hostess, similar to an air hostess on flights. The hostess will manage onboard services and assist passengers during the journey.

Since passengers will reserve tickets in advance, the buses will not have a conductor. Only the driver and the bus hostess will be present onboard.

More routes planned

The minister also said that services from Thrissur may be introduced once road works are completed. The announcement was made during a programme held in Ernakulam.

Officials said final discussions are underway regarding the colour scheme and design of the buses, which are expected to operate similarly to the high-speed “Minnal” services currently run by KSRTC.

The minister added that once the bus arrives, he would personally test-drive it.