Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Mar 9: The government said that shortly, Volvo buses of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will start running between Mangalore State Bank and Manipal. In addition, KSRTC buses will also ply on six city bus routes.

Replying to a question raised by MLC K Pratapchandra Shetty on Monday, transport minister, R Ashok, announced that six government Volvo buses will be pressed into service between the city and Manipal in a couple of days. While admitting that this move is facing bitter opposition, he stated that the government is firm to start running the buses from near State Bank to Manipal. KSRTC is ready to run buses in all routes in the city, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, he added, stressing that the government will not bend under pressure being exerted by the bus owners.

He added that KSRTC had sought permission to run buses on several routes by filing applications before the Regional Transport Authority in 2004 itself, but it is yet to get permission for the same. Replying to a question raised by legislator, Manohar Maski, he said that his department is committed to begin sleeper coach buses to places which are not connected by rail.

Minister for parliamentary affairs, Suresh Kumar, replying to another question raised by legislator, U T Khader, promised to start  KSRTC bus service on six city bus routes, i.e., Talapady – Suratkal, Kujatbail – Mangaladevi, State Bank – Tannirbavi, State Bank – Chelairu – MRPL and A B Shetty Circle to Amblamogaru routes. He said that the buses will start running immediately after the RTA grants permits.