Karnataka Government Dedicates 250 New Buses to Belagavi Division
In a significant boost to public transportation in northern Karnataka, state ministers Ramalinga Reddy, Satish Jarkiholi, and Laxmi Hebbalkar officially dedicated 250 new buses to the Belagavi division on Saturday. The ceremony marked the 28th Foundation Day celebrations of the North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), signaling a major infrastructure upgrade for the region.
Proposal to Rename NWKRTC After Kittur Rani Channamma
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy made a landmark announcement during the event, revealing that the government plans to move forward with the proposal to rename NWKRTC after the legendary freedom fighter Kittur Rani Channamma. This initiative follows earlier appeals from Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, who had championed the renaming to honor the historical icon.
"It is a matter of great pride that we are considering naming this important transport corporation after Rani Channamma, whose legacy continues to inspire generations," stated Minister Reddy during his address to assembled officials and citizens.
Substantial Fleet Expansion Underway
The minister provided detailed updates on the corporation's ambitious expansion plans:
- The process of purchasing 2,000 new buses, as announced in the previous state budget, is actively progressing
- 250 vehicles have already been dedicated to public service in Belagavi division
- Under the PME Bus Service Scheme, 100 vehicles have been sanctioned specifically for Belagavi city
- Eleven new city transport vehicles are being acquired at a cost of approximately Rs 5 crore
- The corporation is in the process of purchasing 14 air-conditioned sleeper coaches costing around Rs 8 crore
- Ten non-air-conditioned sleeper coaches are being procured for approximately Rs 4 crore
- Minister Reddy promised an additional 80 new buses for city transport services in the near future
Infrastructure Development and Employee Welfare
During the foundation day celebrations, Minister Reddy laid the foundation stone for the renovation of the first unit of the dedicated NWKRTC building. The event also featured the distribution of medals to operating staff who maintained accident-free and crime-free service records.
"NWKRTC sets a commendable precedent by providing Rs 1 crore compensation to the next-of-kin of transport employees who pass away during their service tenure," highlighted Minister Reddy, emphasizing the corporation's commitment to employee welfare.
Operational Excellence and Financial Considerations
Bharamagowda (Raju) Kage, Chairman of NWKRTC, shared impressive operational statistics, revealing that more than 25 lakh passengers travel on the corporation's buses daily across its network. However, he also appealed to the government to clear outstanding dues amounting to Rs 1,100 crore that remain pending from previous commitments.
District In-charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi echoed the need for continued expansion, specifically requesting additional new buses for Belagavi district to meet growing transportation demands.
Recognition and Appointments
The foundation day celebrations included several recognition ceremonies:
- Sixty-eight bus drivers with impeccable accident-free records were awarded silver medals
- One hundred eighty-eight candidates received appointment letters for new positions
- Personal accident and group life insurance policies were distributed to employees
- Compensation cheques were handed over under the Family Welfare Fund Scheme
The event also featured the release of new software designed to enhance operational efficiency across the transport corporation's extensive network.
