Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Nov 4: The DM (District Magistrate) notification that has long restricted the entry of additional buses into Mangaluru city is likely to be revoked within the next few weeks.
In 1991, the district administration had issued a DM notification prohibiting city buses, and in 1994, rural buses, from entering areas around State Bank. The notification was later revised in 2012, limiting city bus terminals to Kadri Mallikatte (up to Nanthoor), Kankanady (up to Pumpwell), and Ladyhill (up to Kottara Cross). This move had prevented the operation of new bus services through the city’s central areas.
The original notification was issued due to heavy traffic congestion, narrow roads, and the presence of the district office near the State Bank area. However, the situation has changed significantly over the years. Most of the district offices housed in the DC complex have now been shifted to Padil. The stretch between Clock Tower, A B Shetty Circle, Hamilton Circle, and Rao & Rao Circle has been widened and made one-way to facilitate smooth traffic flow.
Additionally, the State Bank city bus stand has been shifted to the service bus stand, easing congestion in the area. Considering these changes, KSRTC had recently requested the withdrawal of the DM notification.
The implementation of the state government’s Shakti scheme, which allows free bus travel for women, has also increased the demand for additional city and rural bus routes centred around the State Bank area. Following public requests and representations by elected representatives, the state government has been urged to revoke the restriction.
A discussion on this issue was held a few months ago during a meeting chaired by the district in-charge minister in Mangaluru. With renewed focus on the matter, the revocation of the notification is now under active consideration.
“The withdrawal of the DM notification is under consideration, and an official order will be issued soon,” said Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner Darshan H V.