Mangaluru: Proposal for permits on eight new bus routes

Mangaluru: The KSRTC has proposed permits for eight new routes, including the Mangaluru-Karkala route, but it is facing objections from private bus owners. During the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) meeting chaired by Dakshina Kannada District Commissioner Mullai Muhilan on Tuesday, private bus owners requested a 15-day period to submit their objections.

Rajesh, the divisional controller of KSRTC, argued that despite earlier demands for 56 single-trip permits on various routes, court restrictions had prevented these permits. Currently, only three trips have been allowed on the Mangaluru-Karkala route. He emphasized that the RTA has the authority to issue new permits per the Central Government’s Area Scheme.

Private bus owners, represented by Rajaverma Ballal, Aziz Partippady, and Dilraj Alva, raised concerns about the challenges faced by private buses. The meeting also addressed mandatory door installation on all private buses, excluding city buses, by December 10 to ensure passenger safety.

Further, private buses operating from Mangaluru must install GPS and connect with the city’s Smart City Command and Control Center. District Commissioner Mullai Muhilan explained that this GPS installation would help track bus locations and improve transportation management.

The gathering highlighted the Udayavani campaign, “Namage Bus Beku” (“We Need Buses”), for increased bus facilities on the Mangaluru-Karkala and Moodbidri routes, reflecting public demand.

Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal announced that background checks on drivers and conductors would be conducted to ensure passenger safety.