In a recent turn of events in Udupi district, students have voiced their opposition to free bus services and demanded additional buses in rural areas to better serve their needs. Based on the reports from Public TV, the protest highlighted the students’ struggles with the current bus services, specifically their inability to find seats during morning and evening commutes and their difficulty in reaching home on time.
During a protest led by the Akhila Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in Kundapura, students demanded the government provide more buses that run on a regular schedule. A student from Byndoor, addressing a KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) officer, expressed the collective frustration, stating, “Give us buses that run on time, and please add more buses on the same route. We are willing to pay for passes and travel, but the current situation is untenable, and we don’t want free tickets anymore.“
The video of a student confronting the KSRTC officer has gone viral, showing the urgency of their demands. Byndoor MLA Gururaj Gantihole, who arrived at the protest site, listened to the students’ concerns and warned the KSRTC officers to address the issues. He assured the students that if their problems were not resolved, he would join them in further protests.
The students made it clear that they do not want free bus services, which they believe are contributing to their troubles. Instead, they insist on more frequent and reliable bus services in rural areas to ensure timely and comfortable travel. They warned that if the issues are not resolved within a week, they would escalate their protest by blocking roads. The students urged the authorities to relay their concerns to higher officials, emphasizing the need for a swift resolution to their transportation problems.
KSRTC buses leak during rains; government blames KSRTC officials
Several customers complained about the poor service of KSRTC, particularly about water leaking through bus roofs during heavy rains. A video showcasing the issue went viral on social media. In response, the Congress government stated that KSRTC and the Ministry of Transport in Karnataka are not responsible for this issue, placing the blame on the KSRTC officials instead.
Based on the reports from Daijiworld, in response to the rising maintenance costs, KSRTC has sent a proposal to the state government seeking permission to increase bus fares. Since the Congress government came into power in May 2023, women have been allowed to travel free on KSRTC buses, adding to the financial strain. The corporation cites the soaring costs of diesel, spare parts, and overall bus maintenance as reasons for the proposed fare hike.
The Karnataka state Congress government finds itself in financial straits due to its extensive distribution of freebies, leading to a lack of funds for introducing new bus services and ensuring the upkeep of existing ones. Accusations have surfaced against the government, alleging vote bank politics and biased strategies that disproportionately affect the people of Karnataka. Especially anti-Hindu by trying to divert the temple fund to the Waqf board, and putting pressure on middle- and lower-class citizens, exacerbating their financial struggles.
Recent reports from News One have highlighted growing unrest among male students who have started protesting for free bus tickets. This development arises amidst concerns over the government’s dwindling finances, prompting deliberations on a potential bus fare hike to offset escalating maintenance expenses, thereby adding strain on the populace. Reports indicate a fiscal shortfall, prompting contemplation of bus fare hikes, which could deepen financial woes for many. The governance under the Congress administration faces criticism for its perceived inadequacies, contributing to public hardship.
