Monsoon tourism: NWKRTC launches sightseeing buses

HUBBALLI: North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) has launched 13 special tour packages to various tourist places like Jog Falls, Murdeshwar and Badami.
H Ramanagoudar, Hubballi divisional controller, NWKRTC, told TOI, “Major exams like SSLC and PUC are over now. People who could not move around during the lockdown are raring to travel.Hence, we started tour packages to Jog Falls during weekends from the second week of July. Seeing the response from public, we extended this service on Wednesdays also.”
“Later we came up with the idea of running tour packages to Murudeshwar and places enroute like Sirsi Marikamba temple, Idagunji Mahaganatapti temple and Eco Beach at Honnavar. There is another package tour covering Badami, Banashankari, Shivayoga Mandir, Mahakut, Aihole and Pattadkal. We are also planning to extend such packages to Hampi, Kudala Sangam and Almatti Dam in coming days,” he said.
He added that buses are being sanitized for every package tour and Covid norms are being strictly followed. PR Kiranagi, public relation officer at NWKRTC’s central office said other divisions like Dharwad, Uttara Kannada, Haveri, Bagalkot and Gadag are operating their buses to places like Dandeli, Ulavi, Jog Falls, Murdeshwar, Kappatagudda, Almatti, Badami and Kudala Sangam.
“However, some packages may be cancelled in the last minute as the region is witnessing heavy rains and floods from two days. Otherwise they will continue till the rainy season concludes. Earning from these special trips is about Rs 41 per km while average earning of NWKRTC is about Rs 23 per km,” he said.
Prakash Patil, who works for a private firm, said he visited Jog Falls on last Sunday and enjoyed an economic trip. “After the pandemic began, it’s been difficult to hire a taxi for tours as our salaries have been cut while fuel prices are up. Moreover, bus is the safest mode of transport. So I preferred NWKRTC and had a relaxed time with family members,” he added.