Bengaluru launches ‘Ambari’ double-decker tourist bus service
Bengaluru: In an effort to promote city tourism, the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) on Wednesday launched the ‘Ambari Double-Decker Bus’ service in Bengaluru.
The service was flagged off by Tourism Minister H.K. Patil near Ravindra Kalakshetra. Speaking on the occasion, the minister said KSTDC, a government-owned undertaking under the Tourism Department, has been working for the past 55 years to strengthen tourism and hospitality services in Karnataka, providing quality facilities to both domestic and international tourists.
To popularise Bengaluru’s tourist attractions and offer visitors a new city-viewing experience, KSTDC plans to operate three London-style double-decker buses in the city. The buses will begin regular operations from January 21.
The Ambari Double-Decker Bus will operate on the route: Ravindra Kalakshetra – Corporation Circle – Hudson Circle – Kasturba Road – Visvesvaraya Museum – Chinnaswamy Stadium Road – General Post Office – High Court/Vidhana Soudha – K.R. Circle – Hudson Circle – Corporation Circle – Ravindra Kalakshetra.
The ticket price has been fixed at Rs 180 per person for a full-day ride. The lower deck of the bus is air-conditioned and fitted with comfortable seating, along with a microphone system to provide information about nearby tourist spots. The upper deck has 20 seats, allowing passengers to enjoy panoramic views of the city and its landmarks.
The minister said that separate routes for the double-decker buses will be planned in the coming days. Bookings and additional details are available on the KSTDC website (kstdc.co) or through the helpline numbers 080-4334 4334/35 and mobile numbers 89706 50070 / 89706 50075.
KSTDC Chairman Srinivas M, MLA Uday B Garudachar, Kannada and Culture Department Secretary Manjunath, Tourism Director Gayathri, KSTDC Managing Director Prashanth Kumar Mishra, and other officials were present at the launch event.
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Govt directive to offer 60 pc flight seats without additional charges put on hold
Mumbai (PTI): The government on Thursday "put in abeyance" its earlier direction to airlines to offer at least 60 per cent of seats in a flight without levying any additional charge from April 20, according to sources.
On March 18, the civil aviation ministry announced that directions have been issued to the DGCA to direct airlines to allocate a minimum of 60 per cent of seats for selection on any flight free of any additional charges to ensure fair access for passengers.
"The matter has been reviewed in light of representations received from the Federation of Indian Airlines and Akasa Air, highlighting operational and commercial implications of the above provision, including its potential impact on fare structures and consistency with the prevailing deregulated tariff regime.
"In view of the above, and pending a comprehensive examination of the issue, it has been decided that the provision relating to offering at least 60 per cent of seats free of charge shall be kept in abeyance till further orders," Civil Aviation Ministry said in a communication to the DGCA.
At present, 20 per cent of the seats can be booked free of charge, while the rest are paid.
Generally, airlines charge Rs 200 to Rs 2,100 for choosing seats, depending on various factors, including front rows and extra leg room, a travel industry executive had said last week.
The move to allocate a minimum of 60 per cent of seats for selection on any flight came against the backdrop of rising complaints that airlines were levying high charges for various services, including seat selection.
