Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Feb 27: The Bajal unit of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) on Friday organised a signature campaign near Pakkaladka bus stand, demanding the immediate resumption of the government Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM) KSRTC bus service that earlier operated between Bajal State Bank (Church) and Mangaluru State Bank.

The protesters also urged the authorities to introduce additional government bus services to connect the area with the city outskirts, including B C Road, Surathkal and Mudipu.

Launching the signature drive, DYFI Dakshina Kannada district secretary Santosh Bajal alleged that residents of Bajal have been deprived of adequate public transport services in recent times. He said the JnNURM bus service to State Bank in the city was discontinued during the Covid period and has not been restored since.

He further alleged that most private buses operating via Bajal and Jalligudde are not adhering to schedules fixed by the transport authorities and are arbitrarily cutting trips, causing severe inconvenience to commuters.

Santosh said several local organisations had submitted representations to the concerned department and elected representatives seeking proper government bus services throughout Bajal, but no action has been taken so far.

He also criticised the local MLA, alleging lack of interest in addressing public grievances. He claimed that instead of responding to people’s transport issues, attention was being diverted to publicity and other unnecessary matters.

Among those present during the campaign were DYFI Mangaluru city leaders Jagadish Bajal and Deepak Bajal; local DYFI leaders Dheeraj Bajal and Prashanth Kudtadka; Pakkaladka Yuvak Mandal president Deekshith Bhandary and secretary Yash Raj; Janata Vyayama Shala secretary Ashok Enelmar; and Varaprasad and Ashok Salyan, among others.