MP’s suggestions for city bus routes to be discussed at RTA meet

Mangaluru: The deputy commissioner’s office has taken very seriously a letter written by Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, regarding the need for changes and expansion of some major city bus routes in the city. The additional deputy commissioner has written to senior officials of the transport department, requesting that this issue be urgently presented at the upcoming regional transport authority (RTA) meeting for appropriate decision-making.

Alongside this, the district administration has now extended full support to the proposal made by the MP to upgrade the public transport system to complement the city’s geographical and population growth, and to ease the daily commute for passengers.

In the letter written to the district administration, MP Chowta highlighted the current state of transport in the city. “The city is rapidly growing, and many city buses still operate on old and short routes, making it difficult to meet the increasing transport needs of the public. These outdated routes are also causing financial losses for bus operators, and expanding these routes in line with the changing population is the only logical way to facilitate public convenience and operate the transport system profitably,” the MP noted.

Considering the widespread feedback from the public sector and local needs, the MP has strongly recommended the expansion of three major bus routes. Route number 5 is proposed to be extended from Morgans Gate to Jeppinamogaru. Similarly, for the benefit of industrial workers and daily commuters in the Baikampady area, route No. 7 is proposed to be extended from Urwa Store to the Baikampady industrial area. Additionally, to provide direct connectivity for domestic and international tourists and local visitors, route No. 13 is proposed to be extended to the interior of Panambur Beach. The MP opined that these proposed route extensions would not only aid daily commuters like students and employees, but also significantly boost local tourism by providing direct access to major coastal tourist destinations.

Taking all these aspects seriously, the deputy commissioner’s office has officially written to the member secretary of the regional transport authority, the deputy transport commissioner, and senior regional transport officials. The district administration has instructed in its letter that a comprehensive review of the pros and cons and feasibility of these three routes proposed by the MP must be conducted, and necessary recommendations should be mandatorily presented at the upcoming RTA meeting.