Mangaluru: Public buses must fit doors within one month's time, submit affidavit: DC

Mangaluru: District Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan has instructed all public buses registered since 2017 to install doors within the next month and submit the affidavit.

This directive came during the Road Safety Committee meeting at the Collectorate Hall on Wednesday.

The DC said that according to the law, buses registered from 2017 onward must have doors. Adhering to this regulation is needed to prioritize public safety.

He directed the Regional Transport Office (RTO) to ensure strict implementation within the stipulated timeframe. Bus owners shall submit an affidavit confirming compliance, he added.

“There can be no compromise on public safety. There is no question of tolerating neglect. The public has also demanded for installation of doors in buses. Requests have also come in public relation meetings. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and other states are also using buses with doors. Even in Bengaluru, city buses have doors, so the public can travel without worry. Due to this, the traffic system is also smooth. It will be implemented in the district as well,” said the DC.

In addition to the bus door installation directive, Deputy Commissioner Muhilan expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of lighting on several flyovers in Mangaluru, including Surathkal, Kollur, Kottara Chowki, Kuntikana, and Pumpwell. He criticized the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for neglecting this issue, which has resulted in accidents and loss of lives.

Furthermore, complaints regarding unauthorized digging and installations on public roads prompted Deputy Commissioner Muhilan to direct the Public Works Department to issue notices and take necessary action against the offenders.

Woes of State Bank Circle:

The representatives of civil organizations present in the meeting complained that motorists are getting very confused due to the unscientific Hamilton Circle in front of DC’s office. They requested that the entire circle should be completely reconstructed to alleviate traffic disruptions.

Addressing traffic congestion concerns, Deputy Commissioner Muhilan urged coordination among municipal, police, and Smart City officials to resolve the traffic issues promptly.

Other issues raised during the meeting included the obstruction of bus entry to the Bavatugudde bus stand and unauthorized roadside vending causing congestion and safety hazards in areas like Ladyhill, Kankanadi, and Valencia.

District Superintendent of Police C B Rishyant, Deputy Commissioner of Police Dinesh Kumar, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Anand, RTO Sridhar Malnad, Public Works Executive Engineer Amarnath Jain, and other officials attended the meeting.