Pics: Umesh Marpalli/Jeevan D’Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Sep 7: District in-charge minister Pramod Madhwaraj flagged off 28 Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) buses at Mahatma Gandhi open theatre ground, Beedinagudde here on Wednesday, September 7.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Pramod Madhwaraj said, “Following the instructions of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, we have launched JNNURM buses in city and CM launched the same buses in Bengaluru today.”
“CM had made two promises; to provide power supply round the clock and to launch JNNURM buses in Udupi district during his term as CM. Both promises have been implemented successfully.”
“The past three chief ministers had rejected this proposal but the district got the buses after CM Siddaramaiah came to power. The earlier district-in-charge minister also pressurized the government to release buses at the earliest. In total, Rs 5 crores fund has been released for the project in its first phase.”
“I will bring additional buses based on the demand from public. With government transport, private sector lobbying will reduce. We need to give priority to public interest and convince of students,” minister added.
JNNURM buses will make 120 trips per day in the district. These buses comply with all safety measures.
In addition, Minister Madhwaraj said, “DDPI has handed over 41 cents of land to KSRTC for the city bus stand. Another bus stand will come up at Bannanje for KSRTC buses which commute long routes.”
Meenakshi Madhav Bannanje, president, CXMC Udupi, Janardhan Thonse, zilla panchayat member, Diwakar Shetty, DDPI, R B Nayak, Deputy Director of the Pre-University Education Department and others were present.
Long term demand fulfilled
A long term demand for JNNURM (Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission) buses is finally fulfilled after years. The low floor buses are likely to provide relief to Senior citizens. Twenty green coloured JNNURM buses arrived in Udupi depot near Nittur four days ago.
As per government instructions, there are plans to set up a temporary bus stand near parking area at City bus stand. The construction of permanent bus stand will take
some time. The work has already started.
Students have enjoyed this new bus service and have taken selfies with friends.
Features enjoyed by all
JNNURM has all required safety aspects and well equipped 30 seats. There are three high resolution CCTV cameras fixed at the roof top of the bus. These are meant to increase women’s safety, especially those who are travelling at night. They will also prevent indecent acts between passengers and conductor.
The doors are electro-pneumatic. The buses will not move unless the doors are locked properly. The system will prevent accidents as none will be left behind the door.
There is a first aid box and emergency door to exit during emergency. The bus includes all safety and advance techniques. Ramps are provided for physically challenged persons to carry their wheel chair. There is intelligent Transport system and fixed rear view camera for safe driving. There are Voice announcement systems with LED display, stop buzzer and panic buttons in the buses.
The buses are scheduled to ply up to a distance of 20 kilometers from the city once in every 15 minutes depending on need. The bus operating timings (arrival - departure) have been scheduled but routes of buses are yet to decided.
Depot manager Uday Kumar Shetty speaking to daijiworld.com said that nearly 12 buses will get on roads in the first phase. Four buses will ply from September 7.
Permission has been obtained for 13 buses out of 30. Driver and conductors are appointed for four buses. Scarcity of staff has delayed the operation of other buses”, he said.
There will be ‘free pass’ facility for blinds, freedom fighters/their wives, journalists, Shourya (Gallantry) awardees, national, Arjun awardees, endosulfan victims and recognized writers. There will be concession in fee for regular passengers and students. Annual passes will be available for passengers.
Primary school students will be issued free passes till seventh standard for ten months in a year. Rs 400 will be charged per year for high school girls and Rs 600 for high school boys, Rs 900 for College students, Rs 1150 for ITI students (12 months), Rs 1400 for medical and engineering students and Rs 1200 for evening schools students.
The RTA has received demand from various areas for roll out of KSRTC buses, especially in remote areas including Saralebettu, Kilinje, Havanje, Badagabettu and industrial area Manipal. Permission has been issued for Udupi-Kemmannu-Hoode, Manipal-Udupi-Malpe,