Udayavani Campaign: KSRTC to run more bus to meet rising student demand

PTI, Jun 29, 2024, 12:07 PM IST

Puttur: In response to the increasing number of students relying on bus transportation over the past four years, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has conducted a survey to identify new routes in demand. Pu announced that academic classes for various departments, including graduation, will commence in July and August.

Addressing Bus Route Demands

In an interview with Udayavani, part of a campaign to address public transportation needs, Puttur KSRTC Divisional Coordinator Muralidhara Acharya mentioned the need for fourteen new bus schedules at Puttur, BC Road, Dharmasthala, and Sulya depots. He stated that preparations are underway to implement these schedules.

He acknowledged the issues highlighted in the Udayavani campaign and announced plans to introduce additional bus services between Bettampady, Sulyapadavu, Alika, Vitla, Ujire-Charmadi, and BC road-Mangalore once the deployment of personnel is completed. Additionally, a city bus service has been launched in Puttur city to alleviate the pressure on student transportation.

Launch of Puttur-Kaudicharu City Bus

The city bus service between Puttur and Kaudicharu, initiated as per the instructions of the local MLA, began on June 28. The Udayavani campaign noted that MLAs have proposed city buses on several new routes. Previously, the city bus service did not succeed due to low passenger numbers during non-peak hours. However, with the increased movement of people, especially students, and the expansion of the city, the city bus service is now deemed viable. Acharya mentioned that discussions with MLAs will guide the implementation of these new routes.

Personnel Shortage to be Addressed by August

Acharya highlighted that the primary issue in the Puttur Division is not the lack of buses but the shortage of drivers. Out of 485 sanctioned posts, there is a shortfall of 103 personnel. The recruitment process is in progress, with interviews and verification completed. New recruits are expected to begin duty in August following track tests in July. This influx of personnel will enable the smooth running of additional bus services.

Route-Specific Bus Additions

Puttur: 3 More Buses

There is a 10% surplus of buses at the Puttur depot. Additional buses will be deployed on certain routes once the new personnel are appointed.
Two additional buses will run on the Puttur-Uppinangadi route between 8 am and 9 am after the graduation classes start.
An additional bus will be introduced from Sulyapadav to Bettampady following the commencement of graduation classes.
Belthangadi: 2 More Buses

Due to road issues between Mangaluru and Dharmasthala, there are delays in bus schedules. Two additional buses will run towards Belthangadi-Ujire-Charmadi within a few days.
Bantwala: 4-6 More Buses

Four to six additional buses are needed from BC Road Depot to Mangalore in the morning, and immediate action will be taken.
A new bus will also be introduced in the Alak and Vitla sections to address road blockages near Kalladka and Padilu.

Additional Bus Routes

The number of schedules will increase if the current depot is expanded, allowing buses to ply different routes.
An additional bus will run between Guttigaru and Subrahmanya. Additional buses will also be introduced to Kollamogru and Madappadi.
There is a demand for a government bus on the Todikana route, and permission has been sought.

Kadaba: Multi-Purpose Bus

Additional bus services will be arranged between Nelyadi and Kadaba.
Due to the large number of devotees traveling to Dharmasthala and Subrahmanya on Mondays, additional bus services will be provided in the morning and evening to ease the rush. The transportation issues faced by students in Gundya are also being addressed.