Konduskar B9R Multiaxle VOLVO Journey Review

Operator : Konduskar travels

Category : B9R Multiaxle VOLVO Semi Sleeper

Regd Number : MH09 BC 9450

Journey Route : Kolhapur to Pune

Date of Journey : 28th December 2012

Departure (Kolhapur) : 11:15 hrs (Royal Plaza, Dhabolkar Chowk)

Arrival (Pune) : 15:45 hrs (Dandekar Pool)

Amenities : Television Entertainment

Fare : Rs 400/-  (Now Rs 500/-)

Journey Scheduling and Booking :

    It was in the last week of December 2012, that I decided to go to Pune, via Kolhapur. This time, I made up my mind to travel to Pune by Konduskar B9R Multiaxle, as I had heard a lot about Konduskar from my fellow Bus fans and also I haven’t tried Konduskar ever before. After making up my mind I set off to Kolhapur from Belgaum on the morning of 28th December with Konduskar Journey on my mind. As, the year end was near I was expecting a rush for seats, although I kept my fingers crossed for a seat on Konduskar to Pune.

After a two and half hours of journey from NWKRTC luxury coach I reached Kolhapur Central Bus Stand (CBS) at 10:00 hrs in the morning. After getting down at CBS I headed off to Konduskar booking office at Royal Plaza, Dhabolkar chowk, which is at a walking distance from CBS.

I booked my ticket on the 11:15 hrs Konduskar B9R Multiaxle VOLVO from Kolhapur to Pune (Dandekar Pool). Luckily I got seat number : 23 (encircled in red on the seat lay out figure) on the middle row of the B9R. 

Here is the layout of seats in Konduskar B9R multiaxle VOLVO : 

Journey Day :

With my booking done, I headed for a quick breakfast near to Royal Plaza. After having my breakfast I returned to Konduskar office and sat at the departure lounge, waiting for my B9R to arrive.

Unfortunately, the office told us about a delay of the multiaxle departure by a good 40 mins, which was due to a delay because of a break down. It was very unexpected, but I had nothing to do at that moment, but to wait till 12:00 mid noon for its delayed departure L It was a frustrating 45 minutes, until the beautiful metallic green B9R – MH09 BC 9450 arrived at Royal Plaza for departure to Pune at near to 12:00 hrs mid noon.

I boarded the B9R and headed off to my seat at the middle row. The seater coach was very well maintained inside, clean and ambient. The reclining seat was comfortable and air conditioning was good. I guess they had kept it on for sometime before arriving at the first pick up at Royal Plaza.

After the pick up at Royal plaza, the B9R started its journey to Pune, although with a delay of good 45 minutes. It did a pick up at Maharaja hotel, before its final pick up at wattar and peth naka, before heading finally to Karad.

The driving was very sedate, and he had kept a average speed of around 80 kmph at day time, keeping in mind the mid day traffic on NH4.

Soon we reached Karad, and it did a pick up again before heading towards Satara. I was very anxious for its tea break at Milestone as it gives me the chance to click pics of the B9R and other multiaxles of Konduskar’s and Shivneri VOLVO B7R Mark 3’s which arrive there for a break. :) 

Finally, we reached Hotel Milestone near Satara on NH4 for a tea cum bio-break. As expected I started with my multiaxle photography.

Here are some pics of my metallic green Konduskar VOLVO B9R multiaxle that I clicked in milestone : 

I was also enthralled to catch one of my favorite Konduskar B9R multiaxle – MH09 BC 8163 with Incredible India livery :) 

which was on Pune – Kolhapur route. 

A few MSRTC Shivneri’s also joined, for some pose :

After a 35 minutes break, we headed off towards Pune from milestone (Satara) at around 14:45 hrs. With an initial delay of 45 minutes, I was expecting to reach Dandekar pool (Pune) by around 17:00 hrs, keeping in mind Pune traffic at that time. The driver picked up speed, and was cruising at around 90-100 kmph (B9R’s were not locked below 100 in 2012) at that stretch from Satara to Pune, as he was already late. I dozed off quickly after leaving milestone, as I was feeling sleepy. I was enjoying nice ride of the Konduskar B9R, I woke up at around 16:45 hrs when it entered Pune City.

After cruising through busy city lanes of Pune at around 17:00 hrs, we finally reached Dandekar Pool by 17:25 hrs, a 1 hour 40 mins delay due initial departure hiccups at Kolhapur.

Overall a nice and comfortable journey by Konduskar B9R, with the exclusion of the delayed departure at Kolhapur :) 

Summary and Ratings :

Crew : Without uniform, Well behaved Rating : 3/5

Bus maintenance and Amenities : Good reclining seats, well maintained interiors, No mineral water bottles. Rating : 3/5

Speeding : Well and sedate driven at max speed of 90 - 100 kmph, No unusual overtakes, Delayed Departure by 40 mins and delayed arrival in Pune (Not acceptable)  Rating : 3/5

Overall rating : 3/5

Conclusion and feedback :

Overall, I enjoyed a nice journey with Konduskar B9R Multiaxle VOLVO from Kolhapur to Pune. The multiaxle was well maintained except the left side rear view mirror had some issues. Nice cosy interiors and good air conditioning. The exceptional delay of 40 minutes in Kolhapur due to official reasons was a reason that have affected the journey review ratings. :)

There are people who depend on the operators for maintaining exact departure and arrival timings both to and fro on the routes, for their further travel schedules like catching a flight etc. So an unexpected 40 minutes delay from the starting point is not at all acceptable at any cost in my view.

Will I recommend the operator on this route : YES (provided departure and arrival timings are maintained). :)