Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, May 21: A KSRTC bus driver has explained his plight and said that he feels drowsy while driving as he is not getting food between a long distance of Mangaluru to Bengaluru.

Due to the lockdown and reduced business, hoteliers are not keeping the usual hotels open, where the drivers and passengers used to have food. This is causing issues to drivers who have BP and diabetes.

The drivers have to report to the bus stand early in the morning and they have to drop the passengers to their destination by 7 pm. Though there are many depots on the way, the management of KSRTC has not made any arrangements. Due to non-availability of food, the drivers are complaining that they are not able to have a clear vision.

One of the drivers said, "I am fed up with just two days of driving as food is not available. In the KSRTC bus stand of Mangaluru, there is no proper arrangement of even drinking water. The canteen in KSRTC bus stand in Mangaluru is not functioning. Outside hotels charge exorbitant rates. If we eat at starting point, then we can expect food only at end point, which has made our life miserable."

The drivers are saying that the government has to make arrangements for them for food and water. Only if our health is okay, the passengers we carry in the bus will be safe. But now due to non-availability of food, driving has become a nightmare.