KSRTC JNURM Bus Service Completes One Year In spite of Pressure by Private Operators
Udupi: JNURM bus service in Udupi, has completed one year by effectively serving the people. In spite of the pressure by private bus operators, JNURM buses were launched on September 7 by the Minister in-charge District Pramod Madhwaraj in Udupi. The JNURM buses provide connectivity to rural and urban areas.
The buses were launched in Beedinagudde in the presence of 3000 students. In the initial stage 12 buses were launched. 54 buses have now been added to the JNURM fleet. Two buses operate in the Manipal-Malpe-Hoode route, 1 bus in Udupi-Santhekatte-Kemmannu route, 1 bus in Udupi-Udyavar-Pithrodi route, 1 bus in Nittur-Santhekatte-Kemmannu-Hoode route and the remaining buses on other routes.
The court had stayed the service of 54 buses over the different fare system in private and JNURM buses. The district administration later issued temporary permits to 48 buses. KSRTC officials have said that there is a requirement of additional 25 to 30 buses. People are appreciating the service of these buses since they are well maintained and secure for everyday commuters. The bus service introduced to Udupi-Shivamogga has helped commuter’s immensely. 1345 passes are distributed to students and the fare fixed is relatively lower than the private buses.
Minister in-charge District Pramod Madhwaraj has expressed his happiness and has said that the JNURM buses are introduced for the benefit of the public in spite of the pressure by the private lobby. The matter of the bus service is pending in court but once the verdict comes out, more buses will be added.
The KSRTC officials say that there is an income of rupees 2500-3000 per day from each bus and people are supporting the JNURM and KSRTC buses. The KSRTC is yet to construct a bus stand near the old DDPI, Office Udupi and with the construction of KSRTC the city bus-stand more passengers are expected to travel by these buses.