Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Dec 11: Responding to public demand, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has decided to launch a trial bus service between Mangaluru and Karkala starting December 12.

The demand for government buses on this route intensified after the state government introduced the Shakti scheme. In light of this, MLC Ivan D’Souza recently held discussions with the deputy commissioner, RTO, and KSRTC officials to address the issue.

Following these discussions, the RTO has granted a temporary permit for four months, enabling KSRTC to operate buses on this route. The buses will run from the KSRTC bus station at Bejai in Mangaluru via Nanthoor, Gurpur, Kaikamba, Moodbidri, and finally to Karkala. Two buses will operate from Mangaluru and two from Karkala.

Representational image

KSRTC officials have stated that the timetable for the service is yet to be finalized. During the Regional Transport Authority meeting last month, KSRTC had proposed the service, but private bus operators raised objections.

The private bus operators have sought a 15-day period to file their objections with the Regional Transport Authority. Meanwhile, KSRTC divisional controller Rajesh argued that the demand for eight trips between Mangaluru and Karkala has been partially met by approving three trips.

He also pointed out that under the Central Government’s Area Scheme regulations and Chapter 5 of the Motor Vehicles Act, the transport authority has the power to grant permits for new routes.

MLC Ivan D’Souza emphasized that the government has been requested to introduce similar bus services to other areas in need in the coming days.