Mangaluru: In a significant boost for public transport, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has begun phased restoration of its Nurma Bus services across six key routes in Mangaluru and nearby rural regions. The move aims to reconnect areas that lost services during the pandemic.

Routes such as Kudroli, Janata Colony, Gurupura, Moodushedde, and Surathkal are set to benefit from this revival, improving access for daily commuters, students, and workers.

In the first phase, operations have already resumed on two main routes:

  • State Bank – Kunjathbail – Kaikamba

  • State Bank – Chelairu Padavu – MRPL Colony

    • Upcoming expansions include routes like:

    • State Bank – Pilikula / Moodushedde

  • Moodushedde – State Bank

  • State Bank – Kasaragod

  • State Bank – Chikkamagaluru

    • While enthusiasm for the service is high, a District Magistrate (DM) order restricting rural and city buses from entering the State Bank hub—due to narrow roads and heavy traffic—remains a challenge.

    However, KSRTC officials argue that current traffic conditions have improved significantly, especially after the Deputy Commissioner’s office and key departments shifted to Padil. They suggest a reassessment of the DM directive, proposing flexible solutions like smaller buses or timed entry slots.

    Public support is strong, as State Bank remains a critical transit point, especially for semi-urban residents lacking private transport. The revival of Nurma Buses is also expected to ease traffic congestion and cut emissions.

    KSRTC plans to monitor demand and expand accordingly, hoping to create a model for sustainable urban-rural connectivity.