Mangaluru: KSRTC to start trial Bus Service on Mangaluru-Karkala route from Dec 12

In response to passenger demand, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has decided to introduce bus services between Mangaluru and Karkala on a trial basis starting December 12.

Following the state government’s implementation of the Shakti scheme, there has been a growing demand for government bus services on the Mangaluru-Karkala route. Deputy Commissioner, RTO officials, KSRTC representatives, and MLC Ivan D’Souza had discussed the issue recently.

The RTO has now granted a temporary permit for the route, valid for four months.

Bus Route Details

The buses will operate from KSRTC’s Bejai bus station in Mangaluru, passing through Nanthoor, Gurupura, Kaikamba, Moodbidri, and Karkala. Two buses will run in each direction daily. However, the final timetable is yet to be confirmed by KSRTC officials.

Last month, during a Regional Transport Authority (RTA) meeting, KSRTC proposed the introduction of government bus services on the Mangaluru-Karkala route. Private bus operators had opposed the proposal and requested 15 days to file objections.

KSRTC’s Divisional Controller, Rajesh, countered the opposition, citing the central government’s Area Scheme regulations and Chapter 5 of the Motor Vehicles Act, which empower the transport authority to grant permits for new routes.

Currently, permission has been granted for only three out of eight proposed trips on the Mangaluru-Karkala route.

Future Plans
Ivan D’Souza stated that KSRTC is also in discussions with the government to extend public transport services to other areas where demand exists.