Mangaluru: KSRTC proposes new routes, private bus owners raise objections


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.

 

 

  

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Comment on this article

  • KS Mayya, Mangalore/Bangalore

    Wed, Nov 06 2024

    Let there be a healthy competition. Monopoly for either to State transport or private bus owners are not good for end customers. We can see how BMTC monopoly has made public transport in Bangalore. If public transport was efficient in Bangalore, the need for road clogging 3-wheelers and uber/ola cabs would have been less.

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  • Richard Thomas D'Souza, Udupi

    Wed, Nov 06 2024

    KSRTC should not run routes for Udupi or Mangalore, as one can see, their conductors love to take their buses empty to bring about huge losses to the already compounded losses to KSRTC by the present Chief Minister, So now only women fill the KSRTC buses as they get a free ride all over Udupi and Mangalore or to their villages in Karnataka! Private Bus fleet owners have been first in existence now for over 75 years plus and they have done well both in ensuring good passengership and income and as well in increasing their fleet of buses. Transportation in Udupi and Mangalore is the best and also comfortable as compared to Bombay and Thane. However, personally, as I ride the private buses, the Conductors should be more responsible and ethical and patient. All they know to tell all the time is BEGA! Not caring for the specially abled, the old, or young boys and girls, women and children. Yes, the RTA must supervise the operation and law and order of these buses, be it private or KSRTC in the following areas: 1. No Doors or Door closing is not practised. The control on doors should be with the driver as in all other countries running public transport. 2. No limits to loading and overcrowding. Where is the comfort of travelling? Buses must have capacity levels for standing and overall passengers. But not with KSRTC nor with private bus operators. Stand at any bus stop in the morning between 7.30am to 8.30am to witness the madness! But no one will find a single policeman nor a police from the RTA. 3. Tickets are still not issued in many private buses 4. The height of the manufactured bus steps are still too high especially for the specially abled and elder people to climb or get off. 5. Fighting of private bus drivers and conductors is still witnessed because of racing or passenger taking. 6. School boys, and conductors are still seen hanging on the doors

    DisAgree Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • ashish, Mlr

    Wed, Nov 06 2024

    Everytime they say door need to be installed , but no response.

    DisAgree Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Santhosh Santhu Vasaam, Mangalore

    Wed, Nov 06 2024

    Waste of time, KSRTC will never be allowed to run buses in Mangalore or South Kanara / Udupi areas. Private bus lobby has money.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse


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