The Dakshina Kannada district committee of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) has appealed to the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) to reinstate bus services on routes in Dakshina Kannada that were discontinued during the initial two lockdowns. In a letter addressed to Deputy Commissioner M.R. Ravikumar, DYFI district president B.K. Imtiyaz and secretary Santosh Bajal highlighted the necessity of restoring these services, emphasizing the significant impact they have on the local community.
The KSRTC, under the National Urban Renewal Mission (NURM), introduced 35 new buses to operate on various routes within Mangaluru city and its outskirts. These buses were aimed at improving public transportation and catering to the growing demands of the region. In addition to the urban areas, the KSRTC extended its services to rural regions, specifically Sullia, Puttur, and Belthangady taluks. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, the bus services on several routes were temporarily halted, causing inconvenience to the residents.
Recognizing the vital role played by public transportation in ensuring the smooth functioning of society, the DYFI committee expressed concern over the suspension of bus services in Dakshina Kannada. In their letter to Deputy Commissioner Ravikumar, DYFI district president Imtiyaz and secretary Bajal stressed the importance of reinstating these services to minimize the hardships faced by the local population.
The absence of regular bus services in Dakshina Kannada has had a significant impact on the residents. Students, in particular, have faced difficulties commuting to educational institutions, hindering their academic pursuits. The lack of reliable public transportation has also affected the daily commute of working professionals, leading to increased travel expenses and reduced productivity. Additionally, the elderly, people with disabilities, and those without private vehicles have been severely inconvenienced, with limited access to essential services, healthcare facilities, and employment opportunities.
The DYFI committee highlighted the critical role of the KSRTC in fulfilling the transportation needs of the community. By restoring bus services to the previously operated routes, the KSRTC would not only alleviate the existing difficulties faced by the residents but also contribute to the region’s overall development. Accessible and affordable public transportation is crucial for promoting economic growth, ensuring social inclusion, and reducing traffic congestion and pollution. Moreover, it would enable individuals to travel safely and conveniently, fostering community connectivity and enhancing the overall quality of life.
The DYFI’s appeal to the KSRTC to revive bus services on the routes discontinued during the initial lockdowns in Dakshina Kannada reflects the pressing need for accessible and reliable public transportation. The reinstatement of these services would alleviate the challenges faced by students, professionals, and vulnerable groups, while promoting economic growth and social well-being. It is hoped that the KSRTC, in collaboration with local authorities, will consider the DYFI’s request and take prompt action to restore bus services, thereby contributing to the holistic development of the region.