Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Sep 3: In a shocking display of negligence towards passenger safety, a fierce competition to pick up passengers led to a heated clash and reckless driving by the crew of two private express buses near the Haleyangadi bus stand on National Highway 66 near Mulki.

According to sources, the two private express buses were plying from Udupi towards Mangaluru. A verbal altercation erupted between the drivers and conductors over picking up passengers on the route. In a bid to outdo each other, both buses were driven dangerously on the highway, creating a tense and panicky atmosphere for the passengers and other motorists for some time.

Locals pointed out that clashes between the crew members of express buses over route timings are a frequent occurrence near the Haleyangadi bus stand. There have even been reports of minor assaults in the past due to this fierce, everyday rivalry.

Expressing severe concern over the dangerous trend of buses competing in the middle of the highway while completely disregarding passenger safety, local residents have urged the transport and police departments to take immediate and strict action before a major tragedy strikes. They have demanded that authorities issue stern warnings and strictly enforce traffic rules to keep the bus drivers and conductors in check.