Mangaluru: Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is very likely to start Volvo bus service from Bhatkal to Mangaluru international airport by March 2017. Air passenger from Bhatkal, Kundapur, Manipal and Udupi are expected to be benefitted by the proposed new service.

KSRTC has completed formal talks on the new facility with airport officials and the talks have reportedly turned fruitful. An order is expected to be released within two months on the service and arrangements will be made to start the service immediately.

As of now, the proposed Volvo buses will reach Bhatkal crossing Bajpe, Manipal, Udupi and Kundapur. Bus fare, time table and others haven’t yet decided by the authorities. KSRTC officials and airport authorities are expected to hold second round talks on the matter to determine the time table, bus fare and others.

The fare of the bus is expected to be lower than Rs 600 per head from Bajpe to Bhatkal. The ticket fare is significantly lower than the taxi charge which rules around Rs 5, 000 from Bajpe to Bhatkal.