Residents demand KSRTC services between Kundapura-Nada and surrounding villages

Residents demand KSRTC services between Kundapura-Nada and surrounding villages

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, February 5, 2025: Residents of Nada and surrounding villages of Kundapura taluk held a protest demanding KSRTC bus services from Kundapura to their villages on Tuesday in front of the regional transport office in Manipal, Udupi.  

They demanded that the Transport Department issue permits to the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation to operate bus services from Kundapura connecting Aluru, Hoyyana Cross, Tariberu, Aksalibettu, Konki, Nada, and Movvadi villages.

Addressing the residents, Rajeev Padukone, a prominent person in the region, said the areas are not served by any bus, private or KSRTC. People in the remote rural areas have been deprived of public transport for many years. Students and workers are forced to spend hefty amount on transport, he said.

Mr. Padukone urged the regional transport authority to be sensitive to local demands and issue permits forthwith. Otherwise, residents would be forced to continue their indefinite strike.

Nagarathna Nada from Krishi Koolikarara Sangha said the RTA has failed to extend the Shakti, free travel scheme, benefits to the women of Aluru, Nada, Hakladi, and surrounding villages. It should render justice to them by immediately granting permits for KSRTC services.

Centre of Indian Trade Union (CITU) State vice-president Balakrishna Shetty alleged that the RTA has been neglecting genuine demands of the general public. Recently, it cancelled permits issued to KSRTC to operate buses between Byndoor and Kollur that was granted following persistent struggle by Kollur residents, he said.