Udupi/Mangaluru: A state-wide protest by transport department personnel has severely impacted KSRTC bus operations in Udupi, while Mangaluru services remain unaffected.
In Udupi, public transportation was thrown into disarray on August 5, as the strike led to major service interruptions. Although a handful of buses left the Udupi depot, the arrival of buses from other districts was largely disrupted. The few operational buses were overcrowded, struggling to accommodate the daily rush.
Especially notable was the complete halt of services from Bhatkal, with no buses reaching Udupi from the coastal town. In the early morning hours, several commuters were spotted waiting at bus stands, only to return home disappointed by the lack of timely transit options.
The strike has left regular travellers, office-goers, and inter-district passengers in Udupi facing major inconvenience, as uncertainty looms over when full-scale operations will resume.
On the contrary, in nearby Mangaluru, bus services continued without interruption, providing much-needed relief to its daily commuters. The smooth functioning in Mangaluru stands in stark contrast to the transport paralysis experienced in Udupi.
As talks continue between striking employees and government officials, no immediate resolution appears in sight. Authorities have urged commuters to plan their travel accordingly and explore alternative means of transport.
The ongoing situation highlights the critical dependence on public transport in tier-two cities and the need for contingency plans in such scenarios.