The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is reportedly gearing up to redefine road travel with an ‘airline model’ business class bus service that promises the speed and comfort of air travel.
The premium service, complete with reclining seats, entertainment systems, and an on-board hostess, will hit the roads once the widening of National Highway 66 is completed. Designed for luxury and efficiency, the initiative aims to attract high-end commuters who currently prefer private vehicles or trains.
Two custom-built, 25-seater luxury coaches with air suspension systems are being procured for the pilot phase. “The tendering process will begin soon,” transport minister K. B. Ganesh Kumar, quoted in a news report.
“We’re in talks with companies in Vietnam and China to import electronically operated reclining seats similar to those in business class cabins.”
Each seat will come with a smart TV and headphones, allowing passengers to watch curated KSRTC content or stream their own via Android connectivity. The interiors are designed to mirror airline aesthetics, creating a quiet, premium cabin-like experience.
An on-board hostess will attend to passengers, with a mini pantry and microwave ensuring hot meals for those who pre-order food or buy it during travel. “The food will be optional, helping to keep ticket prices affordable while offering passengers a luxurious travel experience,” the minister added.
The non-stop express service will skip traditional bus stations to save time, halting only at designated rest stops. If seats remain vacant, additional boarding points at bypasses in Kollam or Alappuzha will be opened for pre-booked passengers.
The route between Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam is expected to take just four hours — or even three and a half hours — once highway works conclude. Services will begin with simultaneous departures at 6 a.m. from both cities, reaching their destinations by 10 a.m.
The return leg from Thrissur will start at 3:30 p.m., reaching Ernakulam by 5:30 p.m. and Thiruvananthapuram by 9:30 p.m. KSRTC plans to extend services to Thrissur after NH widening and traffic decongestion are complete.
With this service, KSRTC aims to rival premium trains such as the Janshatabdi Express and attract professionals who value both comfort and time.
“These buses are designed for high-end commuters like doctors, lawyers, and government officials,” said Ganesh Kumar. “We want to encourage a shift from private cars to public transport by offering an experience that blends the luxury of air travel with the convenience of road transport.”
