Mangaluru : In a decisive move to ensure passenger safety, the police in Mangaluru will start issuing fines for overloading on Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses. This initiative follows a tragic incident where a student fell from the footboard of an overloaded private bus and died. The decision comes after netizens expressed their frustration on social media, urging authorities to take action against the ongoing issue of bus overloading, especially with the increase in ridership due to the state’s Shakti scheme.
The Shakti scheme, aimed at improving public transportation, has led to a significant surge in the number of passengers using KSRTC NERM buses in Mangaluru. During peak hours, many buses are seen carrying far more passengers than their designated capacity. For instance, buses designed to seat 30 passengers often accommodate over 70 individuals, with many standing and even hanging onto the footboards. Routes to Dharmasthala, Puttur, Talapady, and Mudipu have been particularly noted for severe overloading.
In response to this alarming situation, the police have announced that bus conductors will face fines if their buses are found to be overloaded. Some KSRTC drivers and conductors, in light of this warning, have begun to skip certain stops to avoid overcrowding. This has led to frustration among commuters, including office-goers and students, who rely on these buses for their daily travel.
The public has raised concerns about the ongoing issue, prompting KSRTC to request additional permits from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) for more buses on various routes. However, as of now, no extra buses have been allocated.
Rajesh Shetty, the KSRTC Mangaluru divisional controller, expressed support for the police’s actions, reiterating that passenger safety is paramount. He also mentioned that KSRTC has established a dedicated team to conduct regular inspections and educate drivers and conductors on the importance of adhering to capacity limits.
Traffic DCP Dinesh Kumar reinforced the message that traveling on footboards is illegal and dangerous, highlighting the necessity of strict enforcement to safeguard public safety.
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