Mangaluru: Routes within Mangaluru city will be rationalised to facilitate the operation of more Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses, with 50 electric buses set to begin services from May 2026, Deputy Commissioner and Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) Administrator H.V. Darshan has said.
Speaking during a phone-in programme held at the MCC head office in Mangaluru on Thursday, Mr. Darshan said the move was aimed at strengthening public transport in the city and addressing long-standing complaints regarding inadequate bus services on several routes. The initiative is part of a broader plan to improve urban mobility, reduce dependence on private buses, and promote environmentally friendly transport.
Government sanctions 100 electric buses
Responding to a grievance raised by Ramoji Rao of Krishna Nagar, who complained that a private bus operator had curtailed early morning and late evening services, Mr. Darshan said the government had sanctioned 100 electric KSRTC buses for Mangaluru city.
“These routes are being rationalised so that more KSRTC buses can operate within the city,” he said, adding that public demand, particularly from students and women commuters, had highlighted the need for more reliable government-run bus services.
Mr. Darshan informed the caller that the sanctioned electric buses would begin operations shortly in a phased manner. “Out of the 100 electric buses approved for the city, 50 will start operating from May 2026,” he said.
Initial operations from KSRTC depot
Speaking to reporters after the programme, Mr. Darshan said that the initial fleet of electric buses would operate from the existing KSRTC bus depot in the city. He added that infrastructure planning was already underway to support the full deployment of the electric fleet.
“Space has been identified in Mudipu to establish a separate depot exclusively for electric buses,” he said. According to him, the availability of trained manpower would not be an issue, as the transport department was adequately staffed to handle the expansion of services.
He said the introduction of electric buses would not only increase the number of KSRTC services but also help reduce pollution and improve travel comfort within city limits.
Focus on city routes and commuter demand
Mr. Darshan said that KSRTC buses would be deployed more extensively on city routes, particularly those with high commuter demand. “Students and women are increasingly demanding KSRTC buses because of safety, reliability and concessional fares. Keeping this in mind, more government buses will be operated on urban routes,” he said.
Route rationalisation, he explained, would help avoid duplication of services while ensuring that underserved areas receive adequate connectivity. The move is also expected to reduce the dominance of private operators on certain routes and bring greater regulation to city transport.
Decision awaited on Hampankatta bus restriction
On the issue of restrictions on the entry of buses into Hampankatta, the city’s central business district, Mr. Darshan said the District Road Transport Authority (DRTA) would soon take a call on the matter.
He referred to a District Magistrate notification issued in 1997 that restricted the entry of additional buses into Hampankatta to ease congestion. “The DRTA will shortly decide whether this notification should be continued or modified,” he said, indicating that any decision would take into account current traffic conditions and public transport needs.
Dog pounds planned across regions
During the phone-in programme, Mr. Darshan also addressed concerns regarding stray dogs in the city. He said steps were being taken to establish dog pounds in compliance with Supreme Court directions.
“As per the directions, a dog pound each will be set up for Mangaluru North and Mangaluru South regions,” he said. In addition, separate dog pounds are planned in Ullal and Mulky.
Mr. Darshan said the State government had directed city corporations and other urban local bodies to establish dog pounds as part of animal management measures. “For Mangaluru city, a 12-acre parcel of land has been identified in Bondantilla for setting up a dog pound,” he added.
Action promised on speeding buses
Responding to a call from a resident of Kottara Chowki regarding the rash driving and overspeeding of city buses, Mr. Darshan assured that strict action would be taken.
“We will enforce the law to prevent speeding by city buses. Passenger safety is a priority, and violations will not be tolerated,” he said, adding that enforcement agencies would be instructed to intensify checks.
Administrative intervention for public grievances
The phone-in programme also highlighted the administration’s role in addressing individual grievances. When a maidservant sought help in securing a refund from a nursing college so that she could pay fees at another institution where her daughter had gained admission, Mr. Darshan intervened immediately.
He directed his office staff to get in touch with the caller and resolve the issue at the earliest, underlining the administration’s commitment to public service.
Conclusion
The planned introduction of electric KSRTC buses marks a significant step towards improving public transport and promoting sustainable mobility in Mangaluru. With route rationalisation, infrastructure development, and increased government-run services, officials hope to address commuter grievances while reducing congestion and pollution. The phone-in programme underscored the administration’s focus on responsive governance, touching upon issues ranging from transport and traffic to animal welfare and social concerns.