Activists and commuters voiced strong objections on Wednesday (October 29) against private bus operators who have been approaching courts to stay temporary permits granted to the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) for operating buses on rural routes in Udupi district.

The issue was raised during the Udupi Regional Transport Authority (RTA) meeting, chaired by Deputy Commissioner and RTA Chairperson T.K. Swaroopa.

‘Private operators fail to serve rural commuters’

Representing Janawadi Mahila Sanghatane, activist T.K. Sheelavathi said that private operators often do not operate their own permitted services but challenge KSRTC’s temporary permits in court, leaving many rural passengers stranded.

“This has severely affected people in remote areas who depend on KSRTC buses for daily travel,” she said.

Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa acknowledged the recurring issue, noting that similar complaints were raised in previous RTA meetings.

“Private operators have made it a habit to get stay orders on KSRTC operations. It is not fair,” she said, adding that complaints have also been received about the poor service quality of private buses.

Safety and inclusivity concerns

Ms. Swaroopa further criticized private operators for their lack of regard for women and children travelling in their buses. Activists added that expanding KSRTC rural services, especially under the Shakti scheme—which offers free bus travel to women—would greatly benefit women commuters.

Police warn private operators

Udupi Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar raised concerns about overcrowding in private buses and warned that strict police action would be taken against violators in the coming days.

Next RTA meeting on November 10

The Deputy Commissioner informed that the next RTA meeting will be held on November 10, where the matter will again be taken up.

Representatives from the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) also participated, demanding a significant increase in KSRTC bus services across rural Udupi.