Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has introduced a new multi-axle bus service on the Bengaluru-Ballari route, adding to its existing premium services on the busy corridor.
The service operates via Sira, Hiriyuru and Challakere. The bus will depart from Bengaluru's Kempegowda Bus Station (KBS) at 4 pm, reach Challakere at 8 pm, and arrive in Ballari at 9.45 pm.
On the return journey, the bus will leave Ballari at 5.06 pm, reach Challakere at 6.30 pm and arrive in Bengaluru at 10.40 pm. The fare from Bengaluru to Ballari has been fixed at Rs 802, while the fare to Challakere is Rs 634.
KSRTC to run 2,400 extra buses for Ganesh ChaturthiThe new service will supplement KSRTC's existing Airavat Club Class and Airavat Club Class 2.0 services operating on the route. Existing premium services have multiple schedules through the day, with fares from Bengaluru to Ballari ranging between Rs 802 and Rs 864 for adults.
4.8K ticketless passengers fined
The KSRTC detected 4,862 passengers travelling without valid tickets during checks conducted across its services in August 2026.
A statement from the corporation said it checked 44,848 buses operating in Karnataka and neighbouring states during the month. The inspections also detected 4,461 cases of ticket pilferage.The corporation collected a total of Rs 8,90,279 in fines from ticketless passengers during the checks.
It also detected Rs 1,33,441 worth of pilferage. The corporation said disciplinary action has been initiated against staff found responsible for the irregularities. The KSRTC has urged passengers travelling on its buses to ensure they obtain and retain a valid ticket or pass for their journey.