Though the Karnataka State Transport Corporation (KSRTC) had introduced 15 special buses to meet the Onam rush, department officials informed that tickets to various destinations in Kerala were sold out one month in advance.
KSRTC, which operates 160 buses daily to Kerala, had opened online booking for the special buses last month, a senior KSRTC official told IBTimes India. "Since we have one month advance bookings, all the bus tickets to Kerala have been sold out. Currently we are operating in full-capacity," he revealed.
Passengers can still approach KSRTC booking offices to check last-minute availability, the official suggested.
Tens of thousands of Malayalees working in Bengaluru and Mysore travel back to their home State during the festive season. Trains also have been running full for the last one month.
KSRTC will be operating the special buses from 26 August to 1 September. Thus, a total of 175 government-run buses will conduct services to Kerala for the seven days. The buses from Bengaluru will be operating from Shantinagar Main Bus stand and Mysore Road bus station.
Private 'Bus Mafia' to Gain
An estimated 12 lakh Keralites live in Bengaluru and with Onam falling on 28 August, thousands are expected to travel down to be with their families. With trains and government bus services running full, reports have emerged that private bus carriers have hiked up their prices.
Onam Special: Private Bus 'Mafia' Hike Bengaluru-Kerala Ticket Rates During Festive Season
