KSRTC Mangaluru Karkala Bus Launched: Free for Women
KSRTC has announced that it is soon launching the Mangaluru Karkala bus service. The eagerly awaited route from Mangaluru to Karkala via Moodbidri begins operations on Dec 14.
Key High Highlights
– Mangaluru Karkala bus service trial run to begin on December 14
– Four months’ temporary permit to determine future viability
– Free travel for women under Shakti Scheme
The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has finally responded to the decade-long demand for a bus service connecting Karkala to Mangaluru.
After two days of testing, the KSRTC Mangaluru division is starting services on the route from December 14 on a temporary permit. As part of a trial, two buses began operating on December 12, and four buses were added to the service starting December 13.
Under the first four months of operation, the route will feature 56 single trips daily.
While the demand for the route has existed since 2013, its adoption has been opposed by private contractors, who cited issues with the old Gurupura Bridge’s structural issues.
With the completion of the new bridge, the application was reconsidered and eventually approved by KSRTC – leading to two trial runs, and the final launch.
“We have secured a four-month temporary permit. During the trial, we will evaluate travel duration, identify suitable stops, and gauge passenger interest” said Rajesh, the divisional controller.
The Mangaluru Karkala bus service comes as a huge respite for local passengers, who had to rely solely on private buses for their travel needs.
Also Read: Old BMTC Buses Hit Revenue: CAG Report Reveals 25% Fleet Unfit
Women Travel Free on Mangaluru Karkala Bus Route
Under the Shakti Scheme, women will get to travel for free on KSRTC’s new bus service between Mangaluru and Karkala.
“Women traveling on the Mangaluru-Moodbidri-Karkala route were previously excluded from the Shakti Scheme due to a lack of KSRTC buses. Now, with KSRTC starting services, I raised the issue in the ongoing State Legislature session. The Transport Commissioner has confirmed that four permits will be issued for KSRTC buses on this route,” said MLC Ivan D’Souza.
