Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy on Monday inaugurated a new, well-equipped bus depot at Kittur in Belagavi district, marking a significant step towards improving public transport facilities for rural areas. The minister also flagged off 15 new buses at the depot premises.
Government's People-Centric Schemes
Addressing the gathering, Ramalinga Reddy said the State government is implementing several people-centric schemes aimed at improving the living standards of citizens. The newly inaugurated depot will greatly benefit the rural population of Kittur and surrounding areas by providing reliable and improved transport services.
Depot Cost and Future Plans
He said the bus depot has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 5 crore and announced that steps would soon be taken to establish a petrol bunk within the depot premises. Recalling his earlier tenure as Transport minister, Reddy noted that several bus stands were constructed during that period. He added that more than 10,000 appointments were made on compassionate grounds during the present government's term.
The minister further stated that 1,200 new buses have been added in Belagavi division to the state transport fleet over the past three years. The central and city bus stands in Belagavi have already been inaugurated, and concrete works at the Kittur bus depot will be taken up shortly. The 15 newly allotted buses, he said, should be utilised primarily to serve rural commuters and schoolchildren, ensuring better access to education and essential services.
MLA's Remarks
MLA Babasaheb Patil said the long-pending demand for a bus depot at Kittur has finally been fulfilled. Describing Kittur as a historic town, he said the new depot has been established with the twin objectives of promoting tourism and strengthening transport facilities for villagers and students.
Patil recalled that rural students in the region earlier faced severe difficulties in commuting to schools and colleges. With the introduction of 15 new buses, improved transport services will now be available to the rural population, he said.
The MLA also urged the transport minister to sanction funds to complete the remaining works at the bus stand and to provide minibuses to improve local connectivity within the region.
Officials Present
Vice-chairman of NWKRTC Sunil Hanumannavar, district president of the Guarantee Schemes Implementation Authority Vinay Navalgatti, NWKRTC managing director Priyanga M, additional SP RB Basargi, divisional officials, depot managers and staff members were present.
