Mangaluru: In a move aimed at improving last-mile connectivity for railway passengers and daily commuters, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Mangaluru Division, has commenced city bus services from Mangaluru Junction Railway Station at Padil. The initiative fulfils a long-pending demand from passengers seeking better public transport access to and from the railway station.

The new services have been introduced by the Mangaluru-3 Depot under the KSRTC Mangaluru Division and are expected to strengthen connectivity between the railway station and various parts of the city as well as nearby suburban areas. The move is likely to benefit railway passengers arriving at or departing from Mangaluru Junction, one of the region’s busiest railway stations.

Improved connectivity for commuters

The introduction of dedicated city bus services is expected to ease travel for commuters who previously had limited direct transport options from the railway station. Passengers often relied on private vehicles, auto-rickshaws or multiple bus changes to reach their destinations.

By providing direct bus connectivity to important locations across the city and neighbouring areas, KSRTC aims to offer a more convenient and affordable travel option for residents, students, workers and visitors arriving by train.

The new routes connect the station with key destinations such as Kateel, Bokkapatna, State Bank and Kodikal, covering several major residential, commercial and educational hubs along the way.

Services to Kateel and Bokkapatna

Under the newly launched schedule, buses from Mangaluru Junction Railway Station to Kateel will depart at 6.55 am and 10.45 am. The route passes through Kuloor, Surathkal, Chokkabettu, Katipalla, Shibaroor and Balavinagudde before reaching Kateel.

Meanwhile, services to Bokkapatna have been scheduled throughout the day to cater to a larger number of commuters. Buses will operate at 8.45 am, 10.15 am, 11.45 am, 1.30 pm, 3.20 pm, 5.00 pm and 6.30 pm.

These buses will travel via Kankanady, Jyothi, PVS, Lalbagh, Sultan Battery, Amrita Vidyalaya and Bolar, connecting several important areas within the city limits.

Direct buses to State Bank and Kodikal

Passengers travelling towards the State Bank area can avail themselves of buses departing at 1.00 pm, 1.25 pm, 2.40 pm, 3.00 pm and 5.00 pm. The route covers Padil, Maroli, Nanthoor, Kadri and Jyothi before reaching the destination.

For commuters heading towards Kodikal, KSRTC has scheduled multiple services at 8.00 am, 9.00 am, 9.50 am, 11.00 am, 12.15 pm, 2.30 pm and 3.30 pm.

These buses will pass through Padil, Maroli, Kankanady Market, Mallikatte, KPT, Lalbagh, Urwa Store and Kottara, providing connectivity to several densely populated localities and commercial centres.

Long-pending demand addressed

The launch of the city bus services comes after repeated requests from railway users and residents who highlighted the need for better public transport links from Mangaluru Junction Railway Station.

With increasing passenger traffic at the station, the lack of direct bus connectivity had been a concern for many travellers. The new services are expected to reduce travel inconvenience and encourage greater use of public transport.

KSRTC officials believe the initiative will improve accessibility while supporting seamless travel between rail and road transport networks in the city.

Public urged to utilise the facility

In a press release, the senior divisional controller of KSRTC Mangaluru urged the public to make use of the newly introduced bus services. The corporation expressed confidence that the enhanced connectivity would benefit a large section of commuters and railway passengers.

The initiative marks another step towards strengthening public transportation infrastructure in the coastal city and improving commuter convenience through better integration of transport services.