Name: Prasanna M R & Ravi B C
Country: India

Year: 2025
Volume: Volume No: 12, Issue No: 2, Year: 2025 (Special Issue)
Page Number: 100-108
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17867096

ABSTRACT:
The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is one of the largest state-run
public transport undertakings in India, established in 1961. Despite serving millions of
passengers daily, KSRTC faces multiple challenges that affect its sustainability, efficiency,
and public perception.
KSRTC, despite being a backbone of Karnataka’s public transport system, is facing multiple
challenges that hinder its growth and efficiency. A combination of financial reforms,
operational modernization, employee welfare measures, customer service improvements, and
policy support can help KSRTC transform into a sustainable and competitive public transport
undertaking.
KSRTC’s operational issues are rooted in financial stress, ageing infrastructure, and
competition. While it fulfills a social responsibility of connecting Rural Karnataka, its
operational inefficiencies reduce competitiveness against private operators.
The state government has its own transportation, they have their and flagship and welfare
programs. Current trends in KSRTC include fleet modernization with new luxury and
electric buses, enhanced technological features such as CCTV and USB charging ports,
increased demand and service expansion due to the Shakti scheme, plans for introducing
cashless travel and telematics systems, and expansion of services to coastal regions. The
corporation is also focused on improving operational efficiency, modernizing infrastructure
like bus stands, and undergoing staff-related issues such as pay hike strikes.
Current trends in KSRTC include operating electric vehicles and implementing digital
ticketing like e-ticketing and UPI payments, alongside the introduction of the Shakti
scheme, which offers free bus rides for women. Other trends involve improving operational
efficiency through increased vehicle utilization and fleet size, focusing on passenger safety,
and addressing financial challenges like rising operating costs.
Key Words: KSRTC, Finance, Technology, Transport, Service.