Rail passengers may get Volvo connect

Rail passengers may get Volvo connect
BMTC ready to operate Volvo buses to city railway stations if SWR grants permisson
SUCHITH KIDIYOOR


After air passengers, it’s the turn of railway passengers to enjoy Volvo bus service of the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). If the corporation has its way, project ‘Railway Connect’ — that seeks to provide Volvo bus service for rail passengers — will soon become a reality.
The corporation, which operates 432 Volvo buses to destinations including the Bangalore International Airport (BIA), is awaiting the approval of South Western Railway (SWR) authorities to park Volvo buses at stations.
To start with, BMTC plans to operate the service to Yeshwanthpur Railway Station, according to BMTC sources.
K M Auradkar, divisional controller of the BMTC Volvo division, said, “We have already provided connectivity to the international airport from different parts of the city. Keeping in mind the interest of rail passengers, we are planning to introduce the Volvo service to railways stations. The SWR must provide space for parking, which we hope will be granted.”
According to BMTC sources, the corporation introduced the service on the recommendation of Minister of State for Railways, K H Muniyappa.
The corporation will also expand the service based on the feedback received from passengers. A BMTC official said, “Initially, Volvo buses to Nelamangala will be routed through Yeshwanthpur Railway Station on a trial basis. However, the corporation has not taken any decision on the frequency of this service.