KSRTC divisions to be merged?

Mangaluru: Many government enterprises, including many nationalised banks, have decided to merge in time of the COVID-19-induced economic crisis. To avoid the financial burden on the public bus transit system in the State the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), reportedly, has decided to merge its various divisions across the State into one.

According to KSRTC sources, the first phase of the merger, that of Mysuru Rural Division with Mysuru Urban Division is already underway and a committee for this has already been formed. The merger of other divisions is likely to take place after.

Speaking to Udayavani, KSRTC Managing Director Shivayogi Kalasad said that the merger process of KSRTC divisions is an administrative issue. The pros and cons of this will be discussed and after that, any action will be taken.

Mangaluru Division KSRTC Employees and Workers Union General Secretary Praveen Kumar stated: “Already the schedule of buses has been reduced and some trips have been cancelled. Many non-working employees are not given their salary. The Corporation’s financial burden could be reduced if financially distressed Divisions are merged.”

If the merger of divisions is realised, then the existing Mangaluru and Puttur Divisions could also be merged. Mangaluru Division has three depots – Kundapur, Udupi and Mangaluru. The Putur division has the Puttur, BD Road, Dharmasthala, Madikeri and Sullia depots.

Chandrappa, President of KSRTC stated: “Discussions will be held with Chief Minister Yediyurappa on the merger of KSRTC Divisions. If there are two Divisions adjacent to each other then merging them will reduce the financial burden on KSRTC. The manner in which the merger process should be conducted, and its pros and cons, will be discussed in the coming days.”

Presently, there are 16 Division in the KSRTC with 83 bus depots and 166 bus stands. 37,725 workers are employed by them with 8,738 buses operating between them.