Mangaluru, Apr 05, 2016: In what can be termed as a major setback to the KSRTC, the Deputy Commissioner has rejected the permits sought by the Corporation to operate buses in 17 new routes in the city limits. It may be mentioned here that the KSRTC is already operating 18 buses under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission Scheme.
The permissions were denied at the Regional Transport Authority meeting held at the DC office here on April 5, Tuesday on the grounds that the KSRTC was already operating buses on the routes in which it has sought fresh permit.
Justifying his action, the DC said buses were needed in those areas which lacked proper public conveyance facilities and added that the Corporation has to seek the opinion of the public before applying for permits.
He also urged the public to give their suggestions to the KSRTC by April 15 following which the Corporation could think of applying for fresh permit.
The meeting also deliberated on the applications submitted by private bus operators for new permits on 73 routes.
Representatives of autorickshaw drivers’ unions complained of the congestion on city roads and urged the authorities not to issue free permits.
Dr Sharanappa, SP and other officials were present.