Extra bus service creates tense moments

Private bus operators violating rules, says dist transport officer

The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation had arranged an extra 105 special buses in view of jatra at Male Mahadeshwara hills as part of Mahalaya Amavasya.

Majority of private bus operators are running their buses between Kollegal and Mysore every day as there are only a very few KSRTC buses at scheduled time plying between Kollegal-Mysore.

As the KSRTC had arranged extra special buses towards Mysore, it has affected the bus operators.

Irked over their action, the KSRTC bus drivers too parked their vehicles in such a way that the private buses could not be taken out, which created a tense atmosphere.

Upon receiving information sub inspector Sandeep Kumar arrived at the spot and tried to pacify both the parties and bring the situation under control.

They had to use mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd.

District transport officer Mahadevaiah said there is permission only for three private buses to ply via Kunthur to Kollegal and other buses have permission only to ply through Mullur and Kaliyur.

But these operators are violating the rules, he said.

The number of KSRTC buses were increased due to Mahalaya Amavasye as lakhs of devotees from across the state arrive at the place to visit Male Mahadeshwara hills.

The KSRTC charges reasonable fare between Kollegal-Mysore, said statistics officer Shivanna.