Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (WD/JD)

Udupi, May 25: A week-long free bus service by Ganeshotsava Samithi, Kadiyali and Aasare Charitable Trust was launched by the Dakshina Kannada MP and BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel. Under the free service, there will be over 12 buses that will ply on six routes of Udupi and Brahmavar.

Speaking on the occasion the BJP state president said, "We are living in an alarming situation. During these difficult times, there are a still few people out there who have come forward to extend charitable services. From providing free food to people in quarantine to launching free bus services, Ganeshotsava Samithi has become a role model for the state. Today nations like France and America have been unable to control the pandemic impact. But India has managed to contain the pandemic to a major extent. For this reason, the presidentship of WHO is handed over to the Indians. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision on controlling the infection is a model to the world. The chief minister of Karnataka, Yediyurappa has constantly been working for the last 60 days without any rest. The pandemic has come down heavily on the bus owners. But initiating such social measures the bus operators will gain a sense of confidence and in the coming days they will run the buses on their own."

The free bus service will operate on six routes for a trial period of one week. The routes for these buses are divided by covering the entire city limits. The health protocol of sanitizing the buses after each trip will be followed. A volunteer of the Ganeshotsava Samithi will be present on the bus to make sure social distancing is practised. Details of every passenger will be recorded as per governments guidelines. Only 30 people will be allowed to travel at a time.

Udupi MP Shoba Karandlaje inaugurated the free bus service at the Brahmavar bus stop, also sponsored by Sarvajanika Ganeshotsava Samithi, Kadyali. 

Speaking on the occasion she said, "With the help of Udupi MLA Ragupathi Bhat, Sarvajanika Ganeshotsava Samithi has taken a new initiative to start free bus service in the city for the convenience of the people. Meanwhile, emphasis will also be placed on the health guidelines required to be followed. Udupi was in the green zone for some days but when we interstate travel was allowed, the number of corona-positive cases spike. Although there was a possibility of this happening, we allowed people of the district to arrive from high-risk states. It is unclear as to who would be travelling on these buses, people who have completed quarantine or the general public. I am grateful to the bus owners for this launching this kind of service. Amid the rising the cases, I would urge the common people to not panic and follow the guidelines, co-operate with the authorities and take extra care of children and the elderly. I request the youngsters to come forward and volunteer in supplying the essentials to people in need."

Udupi MLA Ragupathi Bhat at the inauguration said, "I am thankful to all bus owners who have extended their service during these disturbing times without expecting anything in return. Along with paying the driver for his service and the fuel expenses will be also paid. This service is specifically launched for people who are working on a daily basis. They are the people who earn minimal wages and cannot afford to travel by private transport. Hearing their concern, we have commenced this service. Necessary arrangement to gather passenger details is made. The free bus service will be on a trial basis for one week. The buses will run from Brahmavar to Santhekatte and from Neelavara – Kokkarne – Mogaveerpete – Santhekatte."

Kuilady Suresh Nayak president, BJP Udupi district, Yashpal Suvarna president, Fisheries Federation, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada, Dinaker Babu president, Zilla Panchayat, Udupi, Veena Nayak president, BJP Rural, Zilla Panchayat members Sheela K Shetty, Prathap Hegde, Praveen Shetty, Kappettu, Kuthyar Naveen Shetty and others were present on the occasion.