Daijiworld Media Network - Byndoor
Byndoor, Dec 27: Making passenger safety non-negotiable, Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Saturday asserted that long-distance buses without functional emergency exit doors will not be issued fitness certificates (FC). He also cautioned private bus operators against carrying any goods other than passengers’ luggage.
Speaking after inaugurating the newly completed government bus stand at Byndoor, the minister said strict compliance with safety norms is mandatory. “Bus operators must regularly check whether emergency exit doors are in proper working condition. Long-route buses without emergency exits will not be certified as fit for operation,” he said.
The Byndoor bus stand, built at a cost of Rs 8 crore, had remained unused for nearly three years due to pending civil works such as interlocking brick flooring and water supply connections. With these works now completed, the facility has been made operational.
Highlighting steps taken to improve passenger safety, Reddy recalled that luxury buses earlier did not have emergency exit doors, forcing passengers to break window panes during accidents. “Following a tragic accident in Haveri in 2013, KSRTC introduced emergency exit doors in about 25,000 buses during my earlier tenure. Subsequently, emergency exits were made mandatory in all buses,” he said.
On the dominance of private bus operators in coastal districts, the minister said KSRTC is ready to operate additional services in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada. However, he noted that repeated legal challenges to permits issued for KSRTC routes have stalled expansion. “Many permits issued earlier were cancelled after court challenges. Appropriate steps will be taken to address this issue,” he assured.
Responding to KSRTC employees’ demands for pay revision, Reddy said discussions are ongoing with union leaders to find an amicable solution.
Commenting on Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s criticism over demolition drives in certain areas of Karnataka, Reddy said he was not fully aware of the details as he was out of station. “I will comment only after collecting complete information,” he said.
The minister declined to respond to BJP’s claim of coming to power on its own in 2028 and also avoided questions related to any possible change in the state’s chief minister.