Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Jan 27: Commuters are in distress and facing problems as there are no bus services between Mangaluru and Kasargod (NH 66) after 8 pm.

Government buses of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation and Kerala State Road Transport Corporation run only from 5.30 am to 8 pm.

According to the officials of Kerala Road Transport Corporation, as the cases of Covid-19 have not declined in Kerala and there are no adequate number of passengers, the department has suspended bus services early.

Representational image

It may be recalled that after buses services were suspended in March last year following Covid-19 pandemic, by the both governments, the service was resumed after 8 months in November. Initially, both the states resumed 20 buses. But in the month of December, 30 buses were deployed for the service. From the past few days, the last bus departs at 8 pm.

As commercial activities resumed in Mangaluru city, the business establishments are open till 9 pm or 10 pm, functions are being held at night at halls, and hospitals are providing services as usual. Private buses in the city also run till 9 pm.

Several youths from Kasargod are employed in Mangaluru and they are dependent on bus service. Several students from Kasargod region are pursuing their education in Mangaluru. Hence, there are several passengers to Kasargod from Mangaluru who depended on government service.

Several commuters are seen waiting for transport at Pumpwell junction, Thokottu, Kotekar and Talapady asking vehicles for the lift. A few people travel to Talapady by private bus and by paying double charges to auto rickshaws to travel further.

As there is no local train service from Mangaluru to Kasargod, commuters are suffering due to lack of transport facilities after 8 pm to Kasargod. People are demanding authorities to extend bus services at least till 9 pm.