Thiruvananthapuram: KSRTC’s flagship project, the Business Class bus service, is all set to commence operations. The inaugural service of these buses will run from Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam on the August 13. Following this, KSRTC announced that Business Class buses will also operate on the Alappuzha–Bengaluru route from the 16th onwards.

The concept of Business Class buses was originally proposed by former Transport minister K B Ganesh Kumar. Ultra-luxury buses were brought in specifically to run services between Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam. However, current information indicates that these newly arrived Business Class buses will now be deployed on the Alappuzha–Bengaluru route instead.

The new Business Class service is built on a Volvo luxury bus chassis. The seating layout features two seats per row, providing enhanced legroom and comfort. Individual screens are fitted behind each seat, and the fully reclinable seats are upholstered in leather. Amenities include mobile charging ports, bottle holders, luggage racks, footrests, headrests and window curtains. The bus sports a blue exterior livery.

The vehicle is equipped with several features never seen before in KSRTC operations. Although built on a standard Volvo chassis, the bus accommodates only 35 seats to offer generous personal space for every passenger. Provisions inside the bus include toilet facilities, a pantry, and light refreshments such as tea.

The original plan was to launch modern Business Class services capable of covering the Thiruvananthapuram–Kochi route in just three and a half to four hours once National Highway development work was completed. Conceptualised to enhance passenger experience, the service was designed to feature a bus hostess alongside the driver to assist commuters.