Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Nov 19: After the state transport minister R Ashok held  detailed discussions with the owners of private buses at Bangalore on Tuesday November 18, the government relented from its earlier decision to nationalise all highways and the city bus services here. It was decided to continue to stick to the existing transportation system in the district. The private buses of the district, which were facing an uncertain future after the government announced its decision to introduce government buses on all national highways in the state and replace the local city bus services with its own fleet, have now heaved a sigh of relief.

"The buses being presently operated in Mangalore will not be affected. The routes here will not be nationalised. However, wherever feasible, KSRTC buses will be introduced in phases. This will not create bottlenecks in the movement of private buses in the district," transport minister R Ashok said.

He also clarified, that the KSRTC has been planning to run its buses in several routes. However, this decision will not be given affect to, in a hurry. The government wants to respect the opinions of the locals MPs and MLAs before taking a final decision, he added.

BJP state president D V Sadanand Gowda, party spokesperson Dhananjay Kumar, MLA Yogish Bhat and president of the Private Bus Owners Association Rajavarma Ballal were present during discussions.