NWKRTC to operate additional 340 special buses for Deepavali

The North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) announced that it will add 340 special buses to its fleet for the upcoming Deepavali holiday. The additional vehicles will be drawn from its divisions in Hubballi, Dharwad, Gadag, Belagavi, Uttara Kannada, Haveri, Chikkodi and Bagalkot, extending service across the region. Deepavali traditionally sees a surge in travel as families move to be with relatives, and the corporation aims to reduce congestion on major routes. By deploying extra buses, NWKRTC hopes to provide a reliable alternative to private cars and two‑wheelers.

Each of the special buses will operate on high‑demand corridors such as Hubballi‑Belagavi, Dharwad‑Bagalkot and Haveri‑Uttara Kannada, with schedules adjusted to match peak travel times in the days before and after the festival. The corporation has coordinated with local police to ensure smooth boarding and to manage traffic at busy junctions. Ticket prices will remain at the standard fare, and the buses will be equipped with basic amenities, including water bottles and mobile charging points, to improve passenger comfort during long journeys. Officials expect the additional capacity to accommodate several hundred thousand extra travelers.

The decision to run extra buses has been welcomed by commuters who often face packed trains and limited seat availability during festive periods. Local businesses anticipate higher footfall as families travel to shop for gifts and sweets, which can boost sales in towns along the routes. Moreover, the move aligns with the state government's broader effort to promote public transport as a safer and more environmentally friendly option compared with private vehicles. Observers will monitor passenger feedback to gauge whether the service can be expanded in future holidays.