Kerala, India: KSRTC Introduces Airline-Style Luxury Buses to Transform Road Travel

Published on November 22, 2025

Kerala’s public transport is on the verge of a transformation as the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) prepares to launch a premium, airline-inspired bus service. Two 25-seater luxury coaches will be introduced, offering air suspension for a wonderfully smooth journey and comfortable, electronically reclining seats imported from abroad. These seats are designed to mirror the business-class experience of international flights — each comes with its own smart TV, headphones, and connectivity options. Onboard, a trained hostess will serve light meals from a small pantry equipped with a microwave, all while passengers decide whether to pre-order or buy during the trip. The service is planned for the Thiruvananthapuram–Ernakulam (Kochi) corridor and promises to complete the journey in just three-and-a-half to four hours, leveraging non-stop travel and select rest-stop points, thereby making road travel feel as premium as air travel.

Luxury on the Move: A New Class in Kerala’s Road Transport

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is set to elevate intercity bus travel in Kerala, India, with a cutting-edge business-class bus service that echoes the comfort and sophistication of airline travel. This move represents a significant shift in public transport, targeting commuters who value both speed and premium amenities.

State-of-the-Art Coaches and Seating

For the pilot phase, two luxury coaches with only 25 seats each are being procured. These buses feature advanced air suspension, ensuring a smoother ride even on long highway stretches. The seating is being imported from specialist manufacturers in Vietnam and China; these electronically reclining seats are comparable to airline business-class cabins, offering optimal comfort. In addition, each seat will include a smart TV, headphones, and an option to connect Android devices, enabling passengers to stream their own content or choose from KSRTC-provided entertainment such as music and comedy clips. This level of personalization and luxury is poised to redefine long-distance road journeys in Kerala.

In-Flight Style Service on Road

To further bolster the airline-like experience on Indian roads, each bus will be staffed by a trained hostess, who will attend to passengers throughout the journey. A small onboard pantry equipped with a microwave will facilitate the preparation of hot meals. Commuters can pre-order their food when booking their tickets, or purchase snacks on board, giving flexibility while keeping fares manageable. The optional food service is deliberately designed to reduce costs: by making it non-mandatory, KSRTC aims to maintain an affordable premium travel option.

Faster, Direct Travel via Express Routes

These premium coaches will run as non-stop express services, deliberately skipping standard bus stations to save time. The only stops will be at select rest or food points, ensuring the journey remains efficient. The initial route is planned between Thiruvananthapuram (the state capital) and Ernakulam (Kochi). Thanks to improved road infrastructure — particularly the widened National Highway 66 (NH 66) — this trip is expected to be completed in 3.5 to 4 hours. The short travel time is a deliberate appeal to travelers who would otherwise consider premium trains or private cars.

Target Audience and Broader Vision

KSRTC envisages that this service will attract high-end commuters, such as doctors, lawyers, and government officials, who value time, comfort, and service quality. By offering an elevated travel experience, KSRTC aims to encourage a shift from private vehicles to public transport, thereby reducing road congestion and carbon emissions. In time, the service may be extended: once highway works and traffic decongestion are further optimized, plans include extending to Thrissur and beyond.

Competitive Edge: A Challenge to Premium Trains

This initiative places KSRTC in direct competition with premium train services like the Janshatabdi Express. By combining air-like comfort, express travel times, and service elegance, the bus service is being positioned as a compelling alternative for travelers on key intercity routes in Kerala.

Infrastructure and Timing Considerations

The success of this luxury bus venture hinges on the timely completion of NH 66 widening. The upgraded highway infrastructure will enable these buses to maintain high speeds while minimizing delays. Once the road works are completed, KSRTC’s airline-style coaches will have the necessary conditions for consistent, efficient service. Authorities have indicated that the tendering process for procuring these custom coaches will begin soon.

Innovation Beyond Coaches

This luxury bus service is part of a broader push by KSRTC to modernize its fleet and operations. Recent additions to the corporation’s fleet include buses equipped with Wi-Fi, digital systems, and AC amenities. @mathrubhumi+1 The broader digitization agenda includes smart scheduling, GPS-based traffic optimization, and even AI-driven software for enhanced efficiency. @mathrubhumi+1 Meanwhile, fleet upgrades have also seen new body designs for KSRTC buses, attracting curiosity and praise on social media. @mathrubhumi

Enhancing the Public Transport Appeal for Kerala Tourism

From a travel and tourism perspective, these airline-style luxury buses could significantly boost Kerala’s intercity connectivity appeal. Tourists seeking comfort and consistency while moving between Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and eventually Thrissur may find this service especially attractive. By offering a class of travel more refined than traditional buses yet more accessible than flights, KSRTC is positioning itself to appeal to discerning domestic and international travelers alike.

Challenges and Potential Risks

While the vision is ambitious, several practical challenges must be addressed. The imported seats and custom coaches will need to meet regulatory and safety standards, especially for operation in India. The optional food service model depends on sufficient pre-orders, otherwise onboard purchases may not sustain costs. The success of non-stop operations also requires precise scheduling and reliable traffic conditions, which may be contingent on the full completion of the highway widening. Pricing strategy will also be critical: fares have to balance premium positioning with accessibility to ensure steady uptake.

Conclusion

Kerala, India, is witnessing a notable leap in public transport innovation as KSRTC readies its airline-inspired, business-class luxury buses. These 25-seater coaches, with their airline-grade seats, entertainment systems, hostess service, and express route design, promise to transform intercity travel in the state. If executed well, the service could redefine how people view road travel in Kerala — turning ordinary bus journeys into an experience that rivals air travel, while promoting sustainable and efficient transport in the region.