🚌 Kerala to Introduce AC Buses for Budget Tourism Ahead of Summer Rush

Thiruvananthapuram, March 20, 2026:
To tap into the upcoming summer travel demand, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is set to introduce air-conditioned buses under its budget tourism program, offering more comfortable and affordable travel options for tourists.

Focus on Comfortable Budget Travel

KSRTC’s Budget Tourism Cell is upgrading its services by adding AC buses, addressing long-standing concerns about discomfort during multi-day trips in non-AC buses.

Until now, most budget tour packages were operated using non-AC super deluxe buses, which posed challenges during hot weather, especially for long journeys.

Popular Tourist & Pilgrimage Routes Covered

The new AC bus services will be deployed on routes covering key tourist and pilgrimage destinations such as:

• Ooty
• Kodaikanal
• Rameswaram
• Madurai
• Palani
• Tiruchendur
• Meghamalai

These routes are expected to attract both leisure travelers and pilgrims during the peak summer season.

Rising Demand for Budget Tourism

KSRTC’s budget tourism initiative has been gaining strong traction in recent years:

• Over 12 lakh यात्रिक have used the service in the past four years
• Revenue doubled to around ₹42 crore in 2025

This growth has encouraged the transport corporation to enhance services and expand offerings.

Safety & Operations in Focus

To ensure safer travel, KSRTC has decided to assign:

• Drivers familiar with both vehicle handling and route terrain
• Dedicated drivers for specific buses, even if they are shared across depots

This step comes amid a focus on improving safety, especially on hilly and long-distance routes.

New Tour Packages on the Way

Officials have also hinted at launching more summer tour packages, including multi-day trips like Goa tours, to cater to rising tourist demand.

Additionally, KSRTC may continue using leased private buses on high-demand routes to manage passenger load efficiently.

What This Means for Travelers

For tourists planning trips from Kerala:

• More comfortable AC travel at budget prices
• Expanded access to popular South Indian destinations
• Better options for short trips and weekend getaways

FlipMyTravel Insight

This move by KSRTC shows how state transport services are evolving to compete with private tour operators by offering affordable yet comfortable travel experiences, especially during peak seasons.