Mysuru: The countdown has begun for the grand finale of Nada Habba Mysuru Dasara, which will conclude with the Jamboo Savari on Saturday, October 12, on Vijayadashami.
With more than one and a half lakh tourists expected to visit the city of palaces to witness the grand event, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has geared up to expand its services with an additional fleet of buses to meet the demand.
As Dasara vacation started for most of the schools and educational institutions from October 2, KSRTC buses are fully occupied.
The KSRTC has decided to run additional buses now to cater to the demand, mostly between Mysuru and Bengaluru.
Speaking to DH, KSRTC Divisional Controller (Urban) H T Veeresh said that 500 buses are being operated between Mysuru-Bengaluru, Mysuru-Hassan, Mysuru-Mangaluru, Mysuru-Madikeri, and across Mysuru taluk and around 250 buses are being operated between Mysuru-Bengaluru alone.
Besides urban services, 80 extra buses are being operated within the city limits for the benefit of passengers.
With Ayudha Puja on October 11, followed by Vijayadashami on Saturday and Sunday holidays, thousands of people are expected to travel in KSRTC buses, especially between Bengaluru and Mysuru.
Women passengers can avail Shakti benefit, during Dasara also, on KSRTC buses in the above mentioned routes and they will not face any problem, he added.
Besides normal bus services, special buses are being plied between Mysuru-Bengaluru based on the demand. While the fare will be normal for normal KSRTC buses, it will be slightly higher in special buses for a few days.
Mysuru-Bengaluru special buses will be operated till October 15. However, the extra bus service will continue till October 20, he added.
No city bus on October 12
There will be no city bus service on Vijayadashami, October 12, from the city bus stand as lakhs of people will gather on the city roads to have a glimpse of the Jamboo Savari.
However, a few buses will be operated from Agrahara for those travelling towards Kuvempu Nagar side, from Dasappa Circle for those travelling to Vijayanagar and from Gundu Rao Nagar for those travelling towards T Narsipur. The bus service will resume by 8 pm on the day, the officer said.