KSRTC to procure 900 new buses; Mangaluru, Udupi to get priority allotment

Mangalore Today News Network

Byndoor, Dec 28, 2025: Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Friday said the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will procure 900 new buses, with Mangaluru and Udupi districts to receive priority in allotment.

Speaking after inaugurating the new KSRTC bus stand at Byndoor in Udupi district, Mr. Reddy said the bidding process for procurement of the buses is currently under way. He noted that the Udupi–Mangaluru stretch attracts a large number of tourists and, as the Mangaluru division is the administrative centre of KSRTC, it will be given high priority in bus allocation.

He added that additional buses would also be sanctioned to Udupi, Kundapur and Byndoor. About 100 electric buses will be allocated exclusively to Mangaluru city, the Minister said.

Mr. Reddy observed that the Byndoor bus stand has been constructed with modern facilities, though its completion was delayed.

Referring to the Kollur Mookambika Temple, the Minister, who also holds the Muzrai portfolio, said there is a demand to constitute a separate authority for the temple’s development. However, as only a year has passed since the formation of the present management committee, steps to form a new authority will be taken after its term ends.

“I will finalise the process to name the new Byndoor bus stand as Mookambika bus stand. After the tenure of the existing Kollur temple committee ends, efforts will be made to form the Kollur Authority at the government level,” he said.

Byndoor MLA Gururaj Gantihole said the bus stand has been built on two acres of land with modern amenities, while another eight acres remain available for future development. The vacant land could be utilised to establish a KSRTC bus depot, he added.

The MLA also said more than 35 locations in the Byndoor Assembly constituency require bus connectivity to ease travel, particularly for villagers.

At the inauguration event, KSRTC drivers with exemplary safety records were felicitated with silver medals.