Kozhikode: Once a highly-discussed VIP bus in KSRTC’s fleet, the Nava Kerala bus, previously used by the Chief Minister and ministers for the Nava Kerala Yatra, is now set to return to the roads with new upgrades.
The bus will re-enter service within two weeks as a Super Deluxe A.C. bus. Purchased for Rs. 16 crores, the Nava Kerala bus will undergo modifications costing approximately Rs. 10 lakhs. Originally equipped with 26 seats, the bus will now have 38. The rear area, which previously housed a toilet and washing area, will be remodeled, reducing the toilet size to add more passenger seats.
Previously, the Nava Kerala bus operated as a Garuda Premium Luxury service from Kozhikode to Bengaluru, but the service was eventually stopped due to losses. With the VIP status removed, ticket fares will be reduced. The original fare from Kozhikode to Bengaluru was Rs. 1171, but passengers will now be able to travel at half that rate by purchasing Swift Super Deluxe A.C. tickets. As it was specially configured for the Chief Minister, the bus also had a hydraulic lift in the front and an automatic door in the rear, which may now be removed, though this has not been confirmed.
The Bharat Benz bus is currently stationed in a workshop in Bengaluru, where body building is being handled. Since July, it was at the Kozhikode Nadakkavu Regional Workshop. After remaining unused there for a month, the bus was transported to Bengaluru. The decision to remodel the bus was made after low passenger turnout led to frequent cancellations, making it seem as though the bus would need to be stored in a museum. There were insufficient daily passengers to Bengaluru, and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the bus would depart from Kozhikode with just 10 to 15 passengers, with service cancellations on several days due to lack of passengers. The bus has not operated since last July, with the KSRTC service officially halted on May 6.
