Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Jul 26: Government-run buses are pushed to the corner in the district due to the private bus lobby. The NARM buses which had started operations before coronavirus pandemic are stalled thereafter. Some buses are already shifted to other districts. More than 90% of people of the district depend on private buses.

NARM buses were running in around 50 routes of the district before the onset of corona and were giving good service too. However, after the lockdown was withdrawn, they did not take to road. Those who bought the shops in the new NARM bus complex are in dilemma. They have shelled lac of rupees for their shops but have no customers now. Some shops are already closed.

Public are questioning the move of state transport authorities of completely stopping the NARM buses in the city. Moreover, the bus stand which is built with crores of rupees of investment are also lying unused. It seems that the private bus owners lobby has pressurized the government authorities not to run the buses.

NARM buses were especially convenient for elderly people, women and children as they do not involve in competition like private buses and do not ply at high speed. Moreover, they were more spacious also. Public is demanding the re-introduction of NARM buses in the city.