Ever since I made Thiruvananthapuram my home about 17 years ago, traveling in Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) double-decker buses has been on my bucket list. It finally became a reality, thanks to KSRTC Swift’s City Ride – Nagarakazhchakal, a journey through the city of Thiruvananthapuram, in an open electric double decker.
The flood of scrolls and vlogs on social media about Nagarakazhachakal is tempting enough to travel. KSRTC’s Budget Tourism initiative, Nagarakazhchakal was launched in March 2024. Two tall electric buses – one blue and the other brown – take passengers through Thiruvananthapuram’s main road from the East Fort and back. The hourly trip, every two hours is 40 kilometers long, starting at 3pm and the last trip at 10pm.
City ride KSRTC Swift – Nagarakazhchakal takes passengers on a sightseeing trip through the city of Thiruvananthapuram in an open-top double-decker | Photo Credit: SREEJITH R KUMAR
I had booked a ticket online for the 5pm trip and as instructed by SMS and email, arrived at East Fort 15 minutes before the scheduled time, with my colleague. I have received the crew contact number on my phone. After a five minute delay the bus arrived, fresh from the previous trip.
Students and families jumped as they waited for their assigned seats on the 64-seater bus. I am confused as to why it is not crowded, Binu T, a tour driver, said, “There are more people who visit in the evening. It became difficult to manage when everyone was making a beeline for seats on the upper deck.
City ride KSRTC Swift – Nagarakazhchakal takes passengers on a sightseeing trip through the city of Thiruvananthapuram in an open-top double-decker | Photo Credit: SREEJITH R KUMAR
The sun was still out when the trip started and it was hot especially when it took some time for the bus to squeeze itself out from between the buses parked at the bus stand.
City ride KSRTC Swift – Nagarakazhchakal takes passengers on a sightseeing trip through the city of Thiruvananthapuram in an open-top double-decker | Photo Credit: SREEJITH R KUMAR
As we passed through the busy MG road, Arun PS, the conductor, pointed out major landmarks on the route on the microphone. That’s when shutterbugs are in action, clicking pictures and shooting videos.
Although the route and place are familiar, it feels new and fresh; Maybe because of the view from the top of the bus. The city has a different vibe and we keep leaving some people wanting to see it.
Fact file
Bus Switch EiV22 was purchased by funds under Smart City Mission by Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation. It is designed and manufactured by Switch Mobility India, a subsidiary of British bus manufacturer, Ashok Leyland.
Since its launch in March, more than 28,000 people have traveled in the two buses, said an official with the Budget Tourism Cell of KSRTC.
From April 2022 to February 2024, KSRTC has been operating tour packages with diesel open double decker buses. The package is for five hours and the passengers can stop at certain tourist spots to spend some time. The bus has now been shifted to Thalassery.
Double-decker buses are believed to be introduced in the city in the late 50s. Kolkata was the first Indian city to achieve the double, followed by Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram.
We cover Palayam, LMS, Museum, Kanakakkunnu and Vellayambalam on reaching Kowdiar from where the bus reverses and returns to Palayam. Then turn right from the signal at Balai Ayyankali to proceed towards General Hospital Intersection, Pattor and Pettah to reach Chakka and from there directly to Shanghumukham. Along the way, the staff warned bystanders to be careful of tree branches and power lines.
City ride KSRTC Swift – Nagarakazhchakal takes passengers on a sightseeing trip through the city of Thiruvananthapuram in an open-top double-decker | Photo Credit: SREEJITH R KUMAR
Since no photography or videography is allowed near the airport area, we stopped our calls as the bus continued on its way near the runway. “Earlier we were allowed to take photos and I took one of the flying planes,” said Ayne Mary from Malappuram, doing her post-graduation at the University of Kerala, Karyavattam campus. She was in the bus with her batch mates, Aliya Shajahan and Merlin Saji.
City ride KSRTC Swift – Nagarakazhchakal takes passengers on a sightseeing trip through the city of Thiruvananthapuram in an open-top double-decker | Photo Credit: SREEJITH R KUMAR
By that time it was dusk and it seemed that everyone was awake. For me, this is the most exciting part of the trip – watching the world go by, with the wind in my face.
At that moment, the three girls danced their hearts out, giving the conductor a list of songs.
City Ride KSRTC Swift – Nagarakazhchakal takes passengers on a sightseeing trip through the city of Thiruvananthapuram | Photo Credit: SREEJITH R KUMAR
“This trip was worth it…” said Ramachandran S, a former government official from Malappuram who was in the city with friends to join the protest. “Our train is only at 20:00 and so we thought of making the most of our time here,” he said.
Soon we were back at Chakka and it was time to go through the bypass. It was a really ‘windy’ ride along the smooth road as the bus proceeded to Lulu Mall and passed by before taking a U-turn to return.
City ride KSRTC Swift – Nagarakazhchakal takes passengers on a sightseeing trip through the city of Thiruvananthapuram in an open-top double-decker | Photo Credit: SREEJITH R KUMAR
By then the evening lights were on and the traffic was busy. It took some time for the bus to reach Eenchakkal junction and then take the Attakkulangara route to East Fort.
City Ride KSRTC Swift – Nagarakazhchakal takes passengers on a sightseeing trip through the city of Thiruvananthapuram | Photo Credit: SREEJITH R KUMAR
It was 7 pm. The next batch is waiting up and it’s time for us to say goodbye to each other and the crew.
Ticket rates are ₹200 per head for the upper deck and ₹100 for the lower deck. Book your tickets at onlineksrtc.swift.com or get them before you start your trip.
