Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Nov 6: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has proposed the introduction of permits for eight new routes, including the Mangaluru-Karkala route. However, this move has faced objections from private bus operators, who have been given a 15-day period to file their grievances with the Regional Transport Authority (RTA).
The decision was taken during a meeting of the RTA held on Tuesday at the Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner’s (DC) office, presided over by DC and RTA president Mullai Muhilan. KSRTC divisional controller Rajesh highlighted that the demand for public transportation led to a prior request for 56 single-trip permits, which was stalled due to a court order. Of these, only three trips between Mangaluru and Karkala were approved. Rajesh argued that under the central government’s area scheme and chapter 5 of the Motor Vehicles Act, the RTA has the authority to grant new route permits without any hindrance.
Private bus owners, represented by Rajavarma Ballal, Hazeeth Parthipadi, and Dilraj Alva, raised concerns about the impact on their operations and the challenges they face.
In a bid to ensure passenger safety, it was emphasized that all buses must operate with closed doors. Despite repeated reminders, this rule has not been adhered to. The DC ordered immediate action for the installation of doors on all private buses, except those in city transport. A decision regarding door installation on city buses will be taken in the future, but compliance for all other private buses must be completed by December 10.
With Mangaluru’s Smart City Command and Control Center in place, it was mandated that private buses be equipped with GPS systems to connect to the command center. This initiative aims to provide real-time tracking of bus movements and improve overall transport management. Additionally, a panic button installation was also instructed for enhanced safety.
The meeting was attended by Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) commissioner Anand, district superintendent of police Yathish, traffic DCP Dinesh Kumar, and transport officer Sridhar Mallad.
KSRTC divisional controller Rajesh also mentioned that public demand for bus services on routes like Mangaluru-Karkala and Moodbidri has been persistent.
Police commissioner Anupam Agarwal stated that background checks would be conducted on all bus drivers and conductors to verify any pending cases against them. He added that color-coded stickers would be implemented for city and service buses, and strict action would be taken against buses stopping in unauthorized areas.