Media Release

Udupi, Aug 29: The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Udupi unit, has urged the deputy commissioner Udupi district Swaroopa T K to take immediate steps to resolve the irregular public bus services affecting students commuting to Nitte.

Thousands of students study at Nitte College in Karkala taluk, many of whom rely on public transport from different parts of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. However, the shortage of buses on this route has forced students and the public to travel on overcrowded footboards, putting lives at risk.

ABVP leaders pointed out that although a government bus was earlier sanctioned for the route, a legal challenge by private bus operators stalled the service. With inadequate private buses in operation, the problem continues. Recently, a student slipped while travelling on the footboard, narrowly escaping serious injury. The organization warned that unless swift action is taken, a major accident could occur.

ABVP further reminded authorities that despite the tragic death of student Janith Shetty in August last year, and assurances by the police department to make bus doors mandatory, no effective action has been taken so far.

The organization demanded to increase the number of buses, particularly government-operated services, connecting Nitte from various routes, prevent overloading of buses beyond capacity, ensure all buses are fitted with doors on a mandatory basis and enforce speed control measures on buses to ensure passenger safety.

The memorandum was submitted to the deputy commissioner, with ABVP district convener Shreyas Anchan and several activists present.