The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has successfully introduced two Ambaari Utsav sleeper buses on the popular route between Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) and Kundapur, addressing a long-standing demand from commuters.
Since their launch at the beginning of 2025, these two Ambaari Utsav buses (operating as schedules 44/45 and 39/40) have already transported over 32,000 passengers by August of the same year. This remarkable service has also generated an impressive revenue of ₹42.06 crore.
Specifically, schedule 44/45 served 16,024 passengers and brought in ₹18.14 crore, while schedule 39/40 carried 16,099 passengers, contributing ₹23.92 crore. “These figures clearly demonstrate the escalating demand for reliable airport connectivity services,” stated a KSRTC official.
This marks a significant upgrade as it’s the first time KSRTC has deployed sleeper buses on the lengthy 11-hour airport-to-Kundapur route. Previously, the route was served by Flybus services, which only offered seat-only coaches. The transition to Volvo 9600 multi-axle Ambaari Utsav sleeper buses was a direct response to consistent passenger requests for more comfortable travel options on this extended journey.
Experience Elevated Long-Distance Travel
Designed with long-haul journeys in mind, these state-of-the-art buses boast a sleek, Scandinavian-inspired aerodynamic design and luxurious interiors. Each 15-meter-long coach features 40 comfortable sleeper berths arranged in a 2×1 configuration, promising a far more restful experience compared to traditional seated buses, as highlighted by a senior KSRTC official.
The Ambaari Utsav buses operate daily, traversing through Hassan, Mangaluru, Udupi, and Manipal, maintaining the same established route as the former Flybus service.
According to KSRTC, one bus departs KIA at 9:00 p.m., reaching Kundapur by 8:15 a.m. the following morning. Another service leaves at 10:00 p.m., arriving in Kundapura at 9:00 a.m. the next day.
Meeting the Growing Demand for Sleeper Comfort
Officials confirmed that the Ambaari Utsav fleet has been strategically introduced on several high-demand inter-city corridors, including routes from Bengaluru to major destinations like Mangaluru, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Calicut. “There’s been an undeniable and steady demand for sleeper options on our long-distance airport routes. The Ambaari Utsav service now provides passengers with a technologically advanced, premium travel solution,” explained an official.
Meanwhile, KSRTC’s original Flybus service, known for its premium seat-only airport shuttles, continues to effectively link KIA with other key cities and towns across Karnataka, such as Mysuru, Mangaluru, and Madikeri.