Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Aug 1: Devotees visiting the Kukke and Dharmasthala temples are facing hardship due to the closure of the train route. Private bus operators have doubled their ticket prices.

Due to incessant rains, many parts of Karnataka are experiencing hill and landslide issues. Train services have been halted due to a landslide on the tracks at Edakumeri in Sakleshpur, Hassan. Nearly 14 trains have been affected by this issue.

The bus ticket prices from Bengaluru to Mangaluru, previously ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 600, have shot up to Rs 1000 to Rs 1200. AC bus fares have increased from Rs 2000 to Rs 4000.

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This is not the first time private bus operators have taken advantage of adverse situations faced by the public. During festivals and extended holidays, they also raise prices as they wish. The public continuously urges the government to take action, but these pleas have so far fallen on deaf ears.

The railway department initiated special trains to manage the situation caused by road issues. However, the landslide at Edakumeri thwarted these efforts. Now, buses are the only option available.