Karnataka Rolls Out 'One Karnataka Mobility' App to Unite All Four State Bus Services
The Karnataka government has launched an upgraded mobile application and a WhatsApp-based ticket booking facility, bringing the bus services of four State-run transport corporations onto a single digital platform.
The One Karnataka Mobility App integrates the services of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), the North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) and the Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC).
The upgraded application, along with the WhatsApp ticketing facility, was launched by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar at the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on Thursday, during the government's 100-day programme. According to the government, the initiative is intended to give passengers a simple, unified way of accessing State transport services instead of dealing with separate systems for each corporation.
What the app offers
The application includes a secure user login through which passengers can verify their identity, view details of previous bookings and manage their transactions. It also allows users to register grievances relating to all four transport undertakings from one place.
The grievance management system lets passengers track the status of a complaint, escalate it where required, and follow the resolution process. According to the official release, a digital monthly pass facility is proposed to be introduced in a phased manner. This would allow passengers to book, receive and manage bus passes online, with QR code-based digital verification.
Booking tickets on WhatsApp
Passengers can now book tickets on WhatsApp for bus services operated by KSRTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC. To begin, a passenger sends a message to +91 6364940880. The interactive system then guides the user through the reservation process in a manner similar to the existing KSRTC online booking system.
The passenger selects the origin, destination and date of travel, and then chooses the preferred bus service. After entering passenger details, the ticket information is shown for verification before payment is completed.
Payments can be made through UPI, credit cards, debit cards and wallets, among other options. Once the payment is successful, the booking confirmation and e-ticket are sent to the passenger on both WhatsApp and email.
The WhatsApp facility also allows passengers to cancel tickets booked through the platform. For cancellation, users select the 'Ticket Cancellation' option and provide their PNR number, mobile number and the transaction password received at the time of booking.
Helplines for assistance
Passengers who need help with reservations can contact the KSRTC call centre on 080-26252625, which operates round the clock. The AWATAR Cell can be reached on 7760990034 or 7760990035 between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.
The consolidated platform is expected to reduce the need for passengers to switch between different apps and websites when travelling across corporation limits. The government has not announced a specific timeline for the rollout of the digital monthly pass, stating only that it will be introduced in stages.
With four corporations covering different regions of the State — including Bengaluru city services under BMTC and services in the northern and Kalyana Karnataka districts — a common digital window is aimed at making inter-regional travel planning easier for commuters and long-distance passengers alike.
