Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Jan 18: Udupi district in-charge minister Pramod Madhwaraj on Wednesday January 18 addressed the woes of commuters during 'Transport Adalat' jointly held by KSRTC and Mangaluru Regional Transport Authority at Atal Bihari Vajipayee auditorium, Rajatadri in Manipal here.

Madhwaraj also chaired an interaction session wherein locals, students and senior citizen put forth their grievances.

Speaking to the gathering, minister Madhwaraj said, "It was a challenge to bring government buses to city amidst objections from private bus owners. After watching the plight of people in overcrowded buses, we decided to send a proposal for government buses. People from Perdur, Hebri, Nadpalu, Someshwar and even college students used to hang on footboard of buses and risk their lives. To provide better facilities for commuters, we sent 29 proposals to the government and received replies to 18. 

"I assure you that the best effort will be put in to providing more government buses according to the demands of public," he said.

He directed the district authority to be proactive in finding solutions to grievances put forth by public. He also appreciated former DC R Vishal for his work.

"Government officials should work with government and politicians in implementing public welfare schemes. The RTO officers should give priority to students, senior citizens and physically challenged and address their problems as soon as possible. Government and private buses should work hand in hand to provide better transport facilities to public," he said.

Sadashiva Prabhu from Nadpalu complained about not getting KSRTC bus services. "We have sent three appeal letters requesting KSRTC buses for Nadpalu village but the RTO has not paid any attention to our problems. The Naxal-hit village needs government bus services very badly," he said.

In response, Madhwaraj instructed the RTO Gurumurthy Kulkarni to take up the issue immediately.  

Sanjeeva Shetty, a villager from Nadpalu said, "Government bus facility is the need of the hour for Nadpalu-Madamakki route. Commuters of the locality are suffering due to lack of buses. Even RTA officials have washed their hands of the matter, citing poor roads conditions."

The gathering condemned assaults on government bus conductors and urged for serious action against assaulters. Kiran Kumar from Udyavar demanded continuation of the government bus operation from Udupi to Pithrody in the evening.

The RTO received 47 new appeals from the public during the meeting.

Deputy commissioner Venkatesh, Mangaluru RTA officers M B Shantakumar, Sharan Basavraj and others were present.