Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Jan 30: The deadline for fixing doors in all private buses has been extended till Jun 1, 2026, following a meeting with private bus owners chaired by Udupi deputy commissioner (DC) Swaroopa T K and Udupi police superintendent Hariram Shankar.

Considering the ongoing school academic schedule and the examination season till March, along with the limited number of garages equipped to retrofit folding-type doors on buses, the district administration has granted additional time to private bus operators to comply with the directive.

The decision was taken during the meeting convened to discuss safety compliance and operational issues. Bus operators sought more time, citing practical difficulties in installing doors on all vehicles simultaneously.

However, the DC and the superintendent of police made it clear that with immediate effect, fitness certificates (FCs) will be renewed only with a specific condition. Any bus that fails to install the mandatory folding-type door by the Jun 1 deadline will have its FC cancelled.

Private bus operators unanimously agreed to the conditions laid down by the administration and assured 100 per cent compliance within the stipulated period. They also agreed that any bus operating without doors after the deadline may be seized and that no objections will be raised against enforcement action.

The district administration reiterated that the move is aimed at ensuring passenger safety and warned that strict action will be taken against violators once the grace period ends.