Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal

Bantwal, Oct 1: The KSRTC plans to operate additional buses along the Mangaluru-Dharmasthala route in the next 10 days to cater to the huge passenger demand and the packed buses that are running in the morning and evening schedules.

During the pre-Covid-19 period, KSRTC operated shuttle services and express buses between Mangaluru and Dharmasthala. It also ran some buses with limited stops between the two locations. Post Covid-19, only express and buses with limited stops are operational.

The number of stops of the buses with limited stops have increased and thus the travel time between the two locations has increased causing inconvenience to the passengers.

As there are contract carriages along with KSRTC buses operating from Mangaluru to places like Uppinangady, Puttur and Vitla, passengers are not facing much of a problem reaching these locations. However, the Mangaluru-Dharmasthala route has been affected due to the higher passenger load.

The KSRTC operates at least 30 buses between Mangaluru and Dharmasthala every 15 minutes. Besides, the KSRTC also operates 6 express buses between the two locations.

Passengers travelling between Mangaluru and Ujire can take express buses to travel towards Chikkamagaluru as well. But, due to pressure from passengers following the introduction of Shakti guarantee scheme, the number of passengers taking KSRTC buses has risen, according to officials.

Officials also say that there are more passengers along the B C Road-Punjalakatte route and passengers are demanding separate buses to these places. The passengers are also demanding additional stops along these routes.