Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Oct 5: Mangaluru's KSRTC divisional controller, Rajesh Shetty, has announced that since the launch of the Shakthi scheme by the state government, a total of 76,25,319 passengers have utilized the scheme for travel since June.

Shetty further remarked, "When examining the travel patterns, there is evident demand for the Shakthi scheme. During the pandemic, a total of 12 city buses were temporarily halted due to insufficient revenue generation and were transferred to another division. We will be recommencing city operations in a few months. Shakthinagar route buses have already been restarted, and we have plans for 11 other routes, including Bajpe, Kinya – Talapady, Faisalnagar, and Jalligudde."

He continued, "We were initially scheduled to receive 35 NRUM buses, of which 18 are currently in operation, while 17 are on hold due to a high court stay order. The Akashabhavana route is also pending; if the case rules in our favor, we will initiate service on that route as well. To operate city buses, BMTC has provided us with 10 buses, one of which is already in operation, while the rest are undergoing maintenance. Once the Dasara festival concludes, we will commence operations with these buses."

Shetty stated, "The highest demand currently comes from commencing the Mangaluru – Moodabidiri – Karkala route. In 2019, we applied for a permit for 56 single trips with eight buses, but the opposing party challenged it, citing concerns about the Gurupura bridge's structural integrity. Subsequently, the court examined the matter, and the relevant authority approved 24 single trips with eight buses, which results in a significant financial loss for us. We have challenged this decision, and it is currently under review by the tribunal. Once this matter is resolved, the Moodabidri – Karkala issue will also be addressed."

He added, "There is a high demand for the Shakthi scheme, and we have submitted applications for four temporary permits for the Mangaluru – Moodabidri route. If these permits are approved, we are ready to commence operations. There is also strong demand for Moodabidiri, city operations, Mangaluru – Udupi – Kundapura – Bhatkala, and Mangaluru – Dharmastala routes from the public. Currently, we have applied for 57 additional buses, 198 drivers, and conductors, and there is a high likelihood of approval. The government has announced recruitment, and we are hopeful of receiving the requested 57 buses. We have already received 10 buses out of the 57, and we anticipate acquiring the maximum number of buses by October in response to the demand. Currently, the Mangaluru division operates 574 buses, with 303 under the Shakthi scheme."