Mangalore: Student leader, NSUI Mangalore City South - President Christon Menezes raised the issue of the absence of KSRTC bus service between Bantwal and Moodbidri, which has caused great inconvenience to students and the general public. Due to the lack of government buses, students are forced to depend on private buses, leading to high travel costs and overcrowding, which also raises safety concerns.
Christon pointed out that students are unable to make use of KSRTC student bus passes, making it difficult for those from financially weaker backgrounds to afford daily travel. Similarly, women passengers are unable to avail the benefits of the Shakti Yojana, one of the five key guarantees of the Congress state government that provides free KSRTC travel for women.
To address the issue, Christon Menezes met and submitted a formal request to Ivan D’Souza, Hon’ble Member of the Legislative Council, Government of Karnataka. Ivan D’Souza discussed the matter in detail and has sent a letter to Ramalinga Reddy, Hon’ble Minister for Transport, Government of Karnataka, requesting the introduction of KSRTC bus services on this route.
Additionally, Christon personally met Shridhar Mallad, Deputy Commissioner of Transport and Senior Regional Officer, Mangalore (Dakshina Kannada), and Rajesh Shetty, Senior Divisional Controller, KSRTC Mangalore Division, to submit requests and express the concerns of students and the public. Senior DC, KSRTC also promised to forward the request to the KSRTC Puttur Divison.
Ivan D’Souza assured that full support will be given to ensure the introduction of KSRTC bus services on this route, thereby benefiting students, women, and the general public.
Christon Menezes stated that this step by the government would greatly help students and strengthen their trust in the government’s commitment to public welfare.