Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jun 23: Normalcy is slowly returning to every nook and corner of the district due to the partial unlock. However, there are doubts about bus services getting restored, because of the increasing price of diesel. As it might take some time for the private buses to operate their buses, the people are demanding KSRTC run National Urban Renewal Mission (NURM) buses for the time being.

KSRTC gets concession in taxes for running NUURM buses, it is said. At the same time, the private bus owners have requested permission to increase the fare and have also sought two months of tax holiday. On Tuesday June 22, only a handful of buses were operated by KSRTC under NURM even though there are 52 buses that are run to Moodubelle, Amasebail, Agumbe, Shivamogga, Kundapur etc.

Commercial, professional and construction works have resumed in the district but there is a dearth of buses for them to move about. On Tuesday, a few private long-distance buses were run. Village-based coolies, people settled in the city outskirts and others had to walk to their destinations to work.

Nityananda Olakadu and Taranath Mestha Shiroor of the district Nagarika Samithi have sought to resume NURM buses immediately as workers find it difficult to reach their workplaces promptly. Canara Bus Owners Association general secretary, Kuilady Suresh Nayak, said that diesel cost per litre was Rs 64 when the fare was fixed last time. He pointed out that the price now is Rs 94. He also said that to move the stranded buses, one lac rupees would have to be spent by the owners. He requested the chief minister and the transport minister to meet the demand of bus owners.

KSRTC Udupi depot manager, Uday Kumar Shetty, said that operating all the buses would be difficult because of the diesel price hike. He however said that depending on the number of passengers, buses would be run to a few places.