Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Feb 14: In a major development for the city’s public transport system, the long-standing legal hurdle preventing additional government buses from entering Mangaluru has been cleared. Following the withdrawal of a District Magistrate (DM) notification, KSRTC is now preparing to launch services on 13 new routes shortly.

For decades, a DM notification had restricted the entry of new buses into the heart of the city, specifically the State Bank area. Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV has now lifted these restrictions, paving the way for KSRTC to operate direct services from State Bank to various parts of the district.

History of the notification 

The restrictions date back to 1991 for city buses and 1994 for rural buses, primarily to control traffic congestion near State Bank. In 2013, the notification was revised, setting terminal points at Nanthoor (instead of Kadri Mallikatte), Pumpwell (instead of Kankanady), and Kottara Cross (instead of Ladyhill). These boundaries effectively barred any new government bus permits from reaching the State Bank terminal. With the recent cancellation of this order, KSRTC can finally expand its footprint in the city.

Proposed new routes: The KSRTC has identified the following 13 routes for the initial phase of operations:

1. State Bank – Bananthady – Kinya

2. Mangaluru – Kettikal – Tharigudde – Polali

3. State Bank – Nanthoor – Farangipete

4. State Bank – Thokkottu – Deralakatte – Kojapadi

5. Mangaluru – Thokkottu – Deralakatte – Rahmathnagar

6. State Bank – Thokkottu – Kumpala

7. Mangaluru – Ulaibettu – Mallur – Polali

8. State Bank – Shaktinagar – Preethinagar

9. Mangaluru – Gurupura – Kaikamba – Malali – Polali

10. Shediguri – KPT – Mangaladevi

11. State Bank – Thokkottu – Deralakatte – Panela

12. Kankanady Railway Station – Mangaluru – Surathkal – Kateel

13. Mangaluru – Surathkal – Kateel

The move is expected to provide significant relief to commuters who currently rely heavily on private bus operators and will improve connectivity between the city centre and the outskirts.