Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Oct 1: The police will begin issuing fines for overloading on KSRTC buses that have exceeded capacity due to the state's Shakti scheme. This action comes in response to a recent incident where a student fell from a footboard of an overloaded private bus and died. Netizens criticized the police on social media for not addressing the issue of bus overloading, prompting stricter enforcement.

KSRTC NERM buses operate in Mangaluru, and the Shakti scheme has led to a significant increase in the number of passengers. During peak hours in the morning and evening, buses are carrying far beyond their capacity. For example, on buses with a seating capacity of 30, more than 70 passengers are often on-board, with some hanging on the footboard. Buses heading to Dharmasthala, Puttur, Talapady, and Mudipu are particularly overloaded.

The police have warned that bus conductors will be fined if buses are found to be overloaded. In light of this warning, some KSRTC drivers and conductors have stopped picking up passengers at certain stops to prevent overcrowding, causing inconvenience to office-goers, school, and college students. The public has raised concerns about this issue. KSRTC has requested the RTO for more permits on additional routes, but the extra buses have not yet been provided.

KSRTC Mangaluru divisional controller Rajesh Shetty expressed support for the police action, stating that passenger safety is a priority. He added that KSRTC has formed a separate team to conduct frequent inspections and raise awareness among drivers and conductors to prevent overloading.

Traffic DCP Dinesh Kumar reiterated that traveling on footboards is strictly prohibited, and overloading is also illegal. He emphasized that strict action is necessary to protect the public from potential dangers.