Pathanamthitta: The public transport service of the KSRTC is indispensable for may commuters across Kerala, despite ample services of private ones. The KSRTC services are both hailed and criticised in equal measure. One such bus is so popular among its commuters it is dubbed as ‘Sundari’, meaning the pretty one, as if it is a film actress or beauty queen. The bus got its pet name thanks to its unusually neat and clean state.

Sundari, which bears the bus number RSK 440 and registration no: KL-15 9913), conducts services on the Thiruvalla–Ranni route.

KSRTC, which is often in the news for the wrong seasons, can be proud of this bus. It has achieved a record daily collection for an ordinary service – Rs 20,021. The KSRTC managing director had once presented an award for the bus on this achievement.

The bus plies on four routes – Ranni, Thiruvalla, Chengannur and Changanassery. It offers facilities unimaginable for a government bus like music system and drinking water. It is thoroughly cleaned every morning before the first service of the day. On festival days, the bus is decked up in tune with the occasion. The arrangements are all done by the passengers, most of them regular commuters.

The average daily collection of the bus is Rs 12,000–13,000. This is admirable, considering the fact the routes the bus takes witness severe competition between private buses. That passengers wait for ‘Sundari’ to arrive ignoring numerous private buses passing that way is its biggest endorsement.