Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Feb 10: Karnataka State Bus Owners Union president K Rajavarma Ballal informed here on Monday February 9 that a decision to lower the bus fares has been taken at the meeting of the bus owners, in view of reduction in the price of diesel by three rupees a litre." In a unanimous decision, it was decided to approach the Regional Transport Authorities (RTA) concerned with proposals to reduce the fares. As soon as we get a positive response from the RTA, we will reduce the fares," he explained at a press conference held in the city.
“Karnataka Bus Owners Union has announced its unequivocal support to the protest being organized at Sakleshpur on Wednesday February 11 by 'Save National Highway 48 Committee' and ‘Shiradi Ghat Committee'. Representatives of the Union will actively take part in the protest programme as well as the protest walk scheduled on the occasion,” he added.
A road blockade will be staged from 8 am to evening on February 11 apart from organizing the protest walk in which about 10,000 people are expected to take part. The protest walk will move up to the border of Sakleshpur town, he said.
"Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade and several Swamijis have announced their support for the protest. Subrahmanya Math Swamiji will take part in the protest. A public meeting will also be held at Gundya on this occasion," he narrated.
He demanded for the early completion of the Suratkal-BC Road highway widening work before the onset of monsoon, as the bus owners are facing untold miseries due to delayed road works. "About 50 to 60 trips of buses moving between Udupi and Mangalore have been lost because of delays. Once the Suratkal-Kundapur highway widening work starts, the bus movement may face further problems. So far, the National Highway Authority of India has not suggested any alternative routes for buses," he added.
Canara Bus Owners Association general secretary Bhaskar Salian, bus owners Jagadish Shetty and Sadashiv Rao were present.