The Bangalore-based S. M. Kannappa Automobiles (P) Ltd., a leading bus body builder of Prakash brand name, recently launched a new range of buses with toilet and pantry facilities. The first few units of the P8000 BMR AC luxury bus model with capacity to seat 32 people each were handed over to the Chennai-based SRM Tours and Travels.
This is a most welcome step that would encourage more people to travel by bus. Normally, people avoid long bus journeys in view of the unavailability of proper toilet facilities even on the highways. Women, particularly diabetic patients who frequent the toilet very often, shun bus travel.
With the introduction of toilet and pantry facility in S. M. Kannappa buses, there will be a growing number of people preferring to travel by such buses. The Electra Magic – RV and Marine recirculating toilets in the company vehicles consume less water, and the waste can also be disposed of quite easily without spoiling the atmosphere. The approximate additional cost involved in providing the pantry and toilet comes to Rs. 4 lakhs per vehicle.
S. M. Kannappa has been a pioneer in manufacturing luxury buses since 1968. The company has always set benchmarks in the luxury bus segment by introducing new features for passenger convenience and safety. With its registered office and main plant in Bangalore city, the company operates two more units at Peenya.
The company also caters to the specific requirements of private operators in the South, West and North-East, STCs, schools, colleges and private institutions, as also to OEMs like Ashok Leyland, Tatas and Eicher Motors.