Puja rush boosts KSRTC double-decker revenue in Idukki

Amid a surge in tourist arrivals in Munnar during the Puja holidays, Kerala State Road Transport Corporation’s (KSRTC) double-decker bus service recorded a significant rise in revenue.

Officials said that 1,191 tourists travelled on the two double-decker buses operating along the scenic Munnar–Anayirankal route, fetching a total revenue of ₹4,06,000 in just five days, between October 17 and 21.

KSRTC introduced its “Royal View” double-decker service at the Munnar depot on February 8, 2025. Following strong demand, the public utility deployed a second double-decker bus to cater to the growing influx of visitors in January 4, 2026.

The buses operate along the Munnar–Anayirankal Dam sector on the Munnar–Bodimettu stretch of the Kochi–Dhanushkodi National Highway.

“Mist-clad tea plantations, views of the Anayirankal dam, and scenic hairpin curves along the highway are the major highlights of the journey. The bus halts at five designated viewpoints, giving passengers time to take photographs,” an official said.

Designed to offer a 360-degree panoramic view of the Western Ghats and rolling tea gardens, the open-topped, glass-paneled bus accommodates 38 passengers on the upper deck and 12 on the lower deck. The service runs six trips daily between 9.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. Tickets are priced at ₹400 for the upper deck and ₹200 for the lower deck.

The tourists can be made booking online via the official portal at onlineksrtcswift.com., said an official.