Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi/Mangaluru (MS)

Udupi/Mangaluru, Jul 10: Demand for government buses is increasing in city areas of Udupi and Mangaluru in the wake of the Shakti free bus travel scheme introduced by the state government.

The government bus service was stalled during Covid due to loss in revenue. They were not restored even after the pandemic was over. In certain other areas several buses ply on the same route.

Now the government buses ply from Udupi to Manipal, Hoode, Kallianpur, Marne, Malpe, Kelasunka, Kokkarne, Perdoor, Nellikatte, Manchakal, Kemmannu-Hampanakatte, Honnala and Padukare.

Representational image

In Mangaluru, the government buses ply from Mangaluru to Mudipu, Adyar, Bajpe, Mallur, Mukka, Gurpur, Kaikamba, Ganeshpura, Someshwara, Vamanjoor, Kunjathbail, Chelaru, MRPL colony, Rehmath Nagara, Ammebala Darga, Keenya.

Due to the Covid-related loss, some buses were sent to other districts. As now the demand is more in those districts, the Mangaluru depot does not have buses. There is a possibility that decision might be taken to run the buses in seven routes in Udupi and 13 routes of Mangaluru which were stopped during Covid. However, 14 staff for Udupi city and 26 for Mangaluru also need to be recruited if the services are restored.

Rajesh Shetty, senior divisional controller, KSRTC Mangaluru said, “We are receiving appeals from Udupi and Mangaluru city area public to run more number of government buses. This will be discussed with higher authorities depending on the availability of buses.”