Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Feb 10: In a move set to boost public transport in central Mangaluru, the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner’s office has granted exemptions for Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses from provisions of notifications issued on January 5, 1991 and April 6, 1993.
Deputy Commissioner Darshan H V issued the order, which removes restrictions that previously prevented KSRTC buses from starting direct services from State Bank to multiple locations within the district and neighbouring districts.
Representational image
“The exemption under the DC notification applies to all KSRTC vehicles to promote public transport in the city and reduce reliance on private vehicles. This will benefit residents, students, women commuters seeking power scheme services, and patients visiting public hospitals. It is also advantageous for passenger safety,” the deputy commissioner said.
Exemption details
Earlier, private and KSRTC buses were barred from starting new services to areas including State Bank, Mangaladevi, Central Railway Station, and Halebandara. As a result, new buses had to follow fixed routes, such as Pumpwell–Balmata–Bunts Hostel–PVS–Lalbagh–KSRTC. Buses coming from Udupi had to travel via Kottara Chowki–Ladyhill–Lalbagh to reach the KSRTC bus station.
“Routes via State Bank typically see high passenger demand. Travelling through these routes is far more convenient for commuters. The restriction that prevented new buses from operating via State Bank, Mangaladevi, Valencia, and Fanner has now been lifted. New buses can now operate on these routes,” Rajesh Shetty, Regional Controller of KSRTC Mangaluru division, was quoted as saying to Prajavani.
Since 1991, KSRTC services to Kasaragod, Udupi, and other neighbouring districts were restricted from operating via State Bank. That restriction has now been removed, allowing new buses to start from State Bank.
Even with the exemption, not all services will immediately start from State Bank. While launching new services, routes will be planned so that as many buses as possible reach State Bank. Services are also being introduced on Surathkal–Talapady and Surathkal–Farangipete routes.
The state government has not been issuing stage carriage permits to private operators since 2019. Only KSRTC enjoys this privilege. Hence, this exemption is crucial for expanding KSRTC operations in the future.
Boost for PM e-Bus scheme
Under the PM e-Bus project, 100 e-buses have been sanctioned for the Mangaluru KSRTC division, with a proposal from the state government to provide an additional 45 buses.
Previously, DC notification restrictions had created difficulties in assigning routes for these buses. This has now been resolved, allowing greater flexibility to plan new routes. Earlier, some KSRTC services suffered losses as buses could not reach State Bank; that problem no longer exists.