Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Dec 19: While the Shakti scheme has provided free bus travel for women across Karnataka, approximately 1,800 villages remain without direct bus connectivity, compelling commuters, including students, to walk at least 2 km to reach bus stops.

The lack of last-mile connectivity has left villagers covering long distances daily on foot. The launch of the Shakti scheme has also heightened demand for bus services in rural areas.

Authorities from Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), North East Road Transport Corporation (NERTC), and North West Road Transport Corporation (NWRTC) attribute the gaps in service to poor road conditions and non-motorable stretches, which prevent them from deploying buses.

According to transport minister Ramalinga Reddy, KSRTC operates buses in 17 districts. Of 21,748 villages, KSRTC directly serves 20,090 villages. For 1,658 villages, buses only reach points 2 km away, and commuters have to walk from there.

Under NWRTC, 4,565 of 4,610 villages receive direct bus services, while under NERTC, 5,237 of 5,283 villages are directly covered. The minister added that a survey will be conducted, and buses will be deployed based on demand.

Most of the underserved villages are located in Tumakuru, Chikkamagaluru, Udupi, Mandya, Chikkaballapur, Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, Davanagere, Shivamogga, Chitradurga, Chamarajanagar, Kalaburagi, and Vijayanagara districts.