Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Aug 19: The KSRTC has submitted an application seeking permission to introduce bus services on 28 new routes from Mangaluru to various destinations, citing public demand. However, private bus owners have expressed strong objections to the proposal.

The issue was discussed during a meeting of the Regional Transport Authority chaired by deputy commissioner Darshan H V. On behalf of KSRTC, divisional officer Rajesh Shetty presented a memorandum requesting priority consideration for the new routes.

He said that several applications were filed based on requests from the public for new routes. “Even where private buses are already operating, timings can be adjusted to allow KSRTC buses to ply. The central government has sanctioned 100 electric buses for the city. Under the state government’s ‘Shakti’ scheme, women passengers should also be able to benefit from these services,” he stated.

Objecting to the move, advocates M V Nagesh and Parasara Kumar, representing private bus owners, said that a joint survey must first be conducted to assess whether the new routes are necessary before granting permits.

Abdul Aziz Partipadi, president of the Dakshina Kannada District Bus Owners’ Association, highlighted the poor financial condition of private bus operators. “If KSRTC buses are introduced in the city limits, private operators will be pushed onto the streets. Unhealthy competition in urban areas must be avoided,” he said.

Hanumanth Kamath, president of the Citizens’ Protection Committee, urged that direct buses be introduced to Krishnapura, Kunjattabail, Mangaladevi, and Sultan Bathery, as the DC’s office has now been shifted to Padil’s Prajasoudha.

G K Bhat suggested restricting the movement of tankers in the city from 7 am to 7 pm to ease traffic congestion in areas like Nanthoor and Pumpwell.

Dakshina Kannada Auto Rickshaw Drivers’ Association president Vishnumurthy demanded that permits be issued only to drivers with valid licenses and badges. He pointed out that the city already has more autos than required, causing difficulties for drivers, along with inadequate stands. Calls were also made to allow e-autos but to avoid zonal restrictions.

Speaking on behalf of e-auto drivers, Vishwanath, Prajesh, and Mohammed Riyaz pressed for opportunities for e-autos while opposing zonal divisions. Representatives Arun Kumar (Rakshana Vedike Auto Unit), Lokesh Shetty (general secretary, Auto Drivers’ Union), and Ganesh R (convenor, Karnataka Drivers’ Union Auto Wing) also raised related concerns.

The 28 proposed KSRTC routes include: KSRTC Bus Stand–Surathkal–Kateel, KSRTC–Surathkal–Farangipete, KSRTC–Farangipete–Surathkal, Mangaluru Railway Station–Nanthur–Padil, Padil–Kodikal, Mangaluru–Ulaibettu, State Bank–Farangipete, State Bank–Mangaluru Railway Junction, Mangaluru Railway Junction–Adyapadi, Kankanady Market–Adyapadi, State Bank–Kannagudde, State Bank–Kateel, State Bank–Kinnigoli, Padil–Akash Bhavan, and others.

Currently, four buses are already operating on a temporary permit between State Bank and Moodbidri.