Mangaluru: A private city bus travelling from Lalbagh towards Mangaladevi was stopped by members of the public near the Bejai KSRTC bus stand on Wednesday after the driver allegedly drove at high speed and in a negligent manner. The incident, which occurred around a busy traffic junction, sparked immediate public anger and brought traffic movement to a brief halt in the area.
Bus hits biker waiting at the junction
According to eyewitnesses, the bus approached the Bejai junction at an unsafe speed and struck a biker who was waiting for the signal. The sudden impact caused the rider to lose balance, prompting shock and concern among nearby motorists and pedestrians. Fortunately, initial information suggests the biker escaped major injuries, but the incident left the public alarmed about recurring cases of rash driving by some private city buses.
Several commuters in the vicinity recounted how the bus had been moving erratically for some distance before reaching the junction. Witness statements indicated that the driver ignored lane discipline, accelerated abruptly and appeared to be competing with other buses on the route—behaviour that has long been criticised in Mangaluru’s private bus sector.
Public intervenes and stops the bus
Reacting swiftly, passers-by and regular commuters acted in unison to stop the vehicle before it could proceed further. The public surrounded the bus, confronted the driver, and alerted the traffic police stationed nearby. Their intervention prevented the bus from moving on and ensured that authorities could take control of the situation without delay.
Traffic police personnel reached the spot and dispersed the crowd, allowing them to assess the circumstances calmly. With rising public frustration over unsafe driving practices, the intervention reflected growing demands for accountability and stricter monitoring of private bus operations in the city.
Bus seized; inquiry initiated
Police subsequently seized the bus and initiated preliminary procedures as part of a formal inquiry. Officials stated that further action is underway and will be based on the driver’s conduct, the condition of the vehicle, and verification of eyewitness accounts.
Traffic authorities are also expected to review CCTV footage from the junction to confirm the speed and movements of the bus before the collision. Statements from the injured biker will also form an important part of the investigation.
City’s long-standing issue of rash bus driving
Incidents involving rash driving by private buses have been reported periodically across Mangaluru. Many commuters have repeatedly expressed concerns about aggressive driving, overspeeding, abrupt halts and attempts by drivers to outpace competing buses—behaviour often linked to highly competitive schedules and pressure to maximise ridership.
While the transport department and police have conducted periodic checks and awareness drives, citizens argue that enforcement must be stricter and penalties harsher to deter such behaviour. Road safety groups have also highlighted the need for structured training programmes for bus drivers and installation of speed-governing mechanisms on all city buses.
Conclusion
Wednesday’s intervention by the public near the Bejai KSRTC bus stand underscores the heightened sensitivity surrounding road safety in Mangaluru. With police action now in motion, residents hope that the investigation will prompt greater accountability within the private bus sector and reduce unsafe driving practices on busy city routes.