Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Apr 28: The tourism sector is progressing rapidly after the Covid lockdown restrictions are withdrawn. However, the demand to provide city tour buses for visitors is still not fulfilled.

Many tourists visit coastal districts in the months of January to May. April and May are months of school and college holidays and families arrive in coastal districts with their families. Three years ago, a demand was put with district administration to provide a city tour bus for visitors who arrive from outstation districts and states. The district tourism department has sent a proposal to this effect to central office of the district administration. KSTDC was expected to take action in this regard. However, though a year is completed, even the beginning process in this direction is not started.

Mangaluru city (file photo)

There was city bus tour in the city five years ago. The bus used to begin from Lalbagh and proceed through Kudroli temple, Kadri temple, Mangaladevi temple, St Aloysius College Chapel, Pilikula sanctuary, Tannirbhavi Tree Park, beach and back to Lalbagh. The only condition was that at least 10 passengers were needed to begin the trip. The ticket was priced for adults at Rs 190 and students were given 10% concession. In the beginning, there was good response from the public. During monsoon, the bus broke down and was taken to Bengaluru. After that the city bus tour never returned to city.

Hariprasad, a private company employee says, “If there is city tour bus in lines of Bengaluru, it is more convenient for tourists and locals of Mangaluru who do not have their own vehicle. Rented vehicles are too costly.”

Rajesh Shetty, divisional controller of KSRTC, says, “City tour package will be organized by KSRTC Mangaluru for the public to visit tourist spots.”