With a Smile and a Spotless Record: KSRTC Veteran Joseph Machado Retires After 34 Years of Service

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru/Udupi, May 31, 2026: For thousands of passengers who travelled across Karnataka and beyond, the reassuring sight of Joseph Machado behind the wheel meant a safe, comfortable and punctual journey. After 34 years of dedicated service with the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), including 22 years as a driver of its prestigious Volvo fleet, the veteran driver retired on May 30 with an unblemished record.

A native of Udyavara in Udupi district, Machado was among the first batch of drivers selected to operate KSRTC’s Volvo buses when the luxury services were introduced in Bengaluru in 2002 and later expanded to Mangaluru. Over the years, he became a familiar and respected figure on some of the corporation’s most important long-distance routes.

What set Machado apart was not just his driving skills but also his unwavering professionalism. Throughout his three-decade career, he maintained a spotless service record, with no incidents of negligence or delays attributed to him. Colleagues and passengers alike remember him as a disciplined, courteous driver who greeted travellers with a warm smile and ensured their journeys were safe and pleasant.

Joining KSRTC in 1992, Machado began his career at the Kundapura depot, driving the Kollur–Chennai Rajahamsa service, which was later upgraded to an Airavat Volvo service. In 2008, he was transferred to the Mangaluru depot, where he handled premium services including the Mangaluru–Chennai Airavat, Mangaluru–Mumbai Airavat and Mangaluru–Pune Ambari Utsav routes.

His final duty was a Mumbai–Mangaluru Airavat Club Class service on May 29. The occasion turned emotional as passengers, colleagues and depot staff gathered to bid farewell to a driver who had become synonymous with reliability and dedication. Many regular commuters expressed gratitude for the countless journeys they had undertaken under his care.

Reflecting on his career, Machado acknowledged the support he received from KSRTC throughout his service. He recalled with gratitude how the corporation stood by him in 2018, granting him six months of paid leave while he recovered from open-heart surgery. He also fondly remembered the affection and cooperation of his colleagues and senior officials, including Mangaluru Senior Divisional Controller Rajesh Shetty.

As Joseph Machado hangs up his keys for the last time, he leaves behind more than just a remarkable service record. He leaves a legacy of commitment, discipline and customer care that stands as an example for future generations of public transport employees. For the thousands of passengers who travelled safely under his watch, he will remain one of KSRTC’s most trusted and admired drivers.