Mangaluru MLA Exposes Critical City Bus Service Failures, Calls for Urgent Government Intervention
Mangaluru City South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath has brought to light a severe transportation crisis plaguing the city, where numerous city buses are failing to reach their designated destinations, causing significant inconvenience to the public. The MLA has insisted that the government address this issue immediately to alleviate the hardships faced by residents.
Financial Constraints and Service Halts Worsen Transportation Woes
According to MLA Kamath, some city buses have limited their services to specific areas due to financial reasons, resulting in reduced trips. In response, government buses were introduced in those regions, but these services were also halted shortly after. This has left people from certain areas without proper transportation facilities, exacerbating the daily commute challenges.
"Though the transport department has issued nearly 400 permits to private operators, many of them do not operate buses due to lack of sufficient income," Kamath stated. "The KSRTC introduced buses on many such routes. However, they also stopped the services."
Ineffective Resolutions and Ongoing Public Suffering
The MLA detailed how the issue was brought to the attention of various authorities, including the Dakshina Kannada Bus Owners' Association, RTO, police department, the deputy commissioner, and the district minister during the KDP meeting. While it seemed resolved temporarily for a day or two, the outcome ultimately proved to be zero, with no lasting solution implemented.
People in rural areas and the city outskirts are finding it increasingly difficult to reach the city center. Many KSRTC and private buses are not operating on various routes from key bus stands such as the State Bank and Mangaladevi bus stands. This has particularly affected residents from areas like:
- Shaktinagar
- Bajal
- Padil
- Kannagudde
- Boloor Mata Amritanandamayi Mutt
- Jalligudde
- Kottara
- Saripalla
These communities are left without reliable transportation options, impacting their access to essential services and daily activities.
Legislative Action and Ministerial Promises
The issue was formally raised in the assembly during the latest legislature session, where MLA Kamath urged for a concrete resolution. In response, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy promised to take immediate action on the matter. The minister assured that he would issue directions to the authorities to cancel permits if buses are not operated on the prescribed routes, aiming to enforce compliance and restore services.
This development highlights the ongoing struggle for effective public transportation in Mangaluru and underscores the need for sustained governmental efforts to ensure that bus services meet the needs of all residents, both in urban and rural settings.
