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Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Sigandur emerges as new tourist hub for NK folks
Hubballi: Sigandur, home to the state's longest bridge inaugurated recently, is fast becoming a favourite getaway for North Karnataka travellers. With people thronging the spot in private vehicles and group tours, travel agencies are adding Sigandur to their itineraries. Seeing the growing interest, NWKRTC has also started package tours from various locations to the destination. Priyanga M, managing director, NWKRTC, Hubballi, told TOI that this time they have introduced more tourist packages to Sigandur, Gokak, Amboli, Banavasi, Dandeli, apart from Jog Falls. "Responding to the tourists' demand, we have introduced package tours to Sigandur from Hubballi, Dharwad, Haveri, Ranebennur, Bagalkot, Gadag, and Sirsi. If passengers wish to book a casual contract bus, we are providing it at a special discount," she stated. It can be mentioned here that Sigandur Chowdeshwari Temple was made accessible to lakhs of devotees and the public by dedicating the 2.2 km long Kalasavalli-Ambargodlu bridge over Sharavathi backwaters in Shivamogga district, on July 14. The bridge, built at the cost of Rs 423.1 crore and inaugurated by Union minister Nitin Gadkari, is Karnataka's first extradosed balanced cantilever bridge with 740 metres supported by cables and built on a pile foundation with dual lanes and footpaths. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Hariprasad Shetty, manager, Rajkumar Travels, said that earlier people were booking buses for coastal places like Gokarna and Murudeshwar. "This year, we are getting bus bookings for Sigandur, especially for Sundays and govt holidays. We are also facing difficulties in meeting the demand for holidays," he shared. Mahesh Kalaghatgi, a travel agent at Kittur Channamma Circle, stated that groups of 4-5 people are hiring cars or SUVs for Sigandur. "Apart from the Goddess' Darshan, they are also visiting Jog Falls and other places adjacent to Sigandur," he stated. Shatnesh Kenchannavar, Veeru Uppin, and Mahesh Dalal, professionals from different sectors, asserted that they are planning to visit Sigandur in a fortnight. "We are inspired by the panoramic image of the bridge and we want to have our pictures there soon. Of course, we will have Darshan of Goddess Chowdeshwari too," they added.

The Hindu
14-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Shakti scheme resulted in employment generation, says Santosh Lad
Labour Minister and in-charge for Dharwad district, Santosh Lad, said on Monday that the 'Shakti' scheme, under which free bus rides were provided to women in the State, had not only increased the number of women travelling by bus, but also resulted in employment generation leading to more women joining the transport corporation. He was speaking at the celebration organised to mark 500 crore beneficiaries under the Shakti scheme at Hosur Bus Station in Hubballi on Monday. As part of the celebrations, puja was performed on the buses and sweets were distributed among the State transport employees and the passengers. Mr. Lad said that after the introduction of the scheme, the number of women passengers in State transport buses had increased to 45% and in tandem with it, there is an increase in the number of woman employees in the transport corporation. The government had so far spent around ₹12,000 crore towards the 500 crore beneficiaries under the scheme, he said. The Minister said over 10,000 vacancies had been filled in the Transport Department and 5,000 new buses had been procured. The Minister said that celebrations had been organised across the State to mark the success of the pro-people scheme. 'The employees of the State Road Transport Corporation are equally responsible for the success of the scheme as the State government. Especially the drivers, conductors, technical staff and officials have played a significant role,' he said. Mr. Lad said that when compared to Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, Karnataka had more number of buses. 'Karnataka has over 25,000 buses, and every day, 1.20 crore people travel by bus. Earlier, there were 80,000 passes and now the number has increased to 1,17,000 passes,' he said. He said that in the buses of North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), women had availed 114 crore rides. 'Under NWKRTC, women avail 16 lakh free rides daily. With 5,300 buses, NWKRTC operates 38,000 schedules daily. Prior Shakti scheme, the corporation used to operate 34,000 schedules. In the last two years, it has received 856 new buses and recruitment for various posts is under way,' he said. MLA and chairman of Karnataka Slum Development Board, Prasad Abbayya, and MLA N.H. Konaraddi spoke on how the scheme has benefited the general public. On the occasion, the passengers were given sweets, and employees of NWKRTC were felicitated. State vice-president of the Guarantee Scheme Implementation Committee S.R. Patil, Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu, G.R.J. Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar, ZP CEO Bhuvanesh Patil, and SP Gopal Byakod, among others, were present.


New Indian Express
14-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Shakti scheme to cross 500 crore rides today
BENGALURU: The Congress-led state government's key guarantee scheme, Stree Shakti that allows women to travel in government buses for free, will achieve a significant milestone by crossing 500-crore rides on Monday. To mark the occasion, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar will symbolically issue tickets to women passengers. After the Congress government took charge in 2023, Shakti was the first of the five guarantees to be launched on June 11, 2023. From then till July 11, women have taken 497.79 crore rides in the four bus corporations — the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC), North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) and Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). The total ticket cost is Rs 12,614 crore. Including the rides by women, all the four bus corporations recorded 837.72 crore total rides ever since the Shakti scheme was launched. BMTC saw the highest number of women riders at 158.10 crore, followed by KSRTC 151.21 crore, NWKRTC 116.53 crore and KKRTC 71.94 crore.


Time of India
03-07-2025
- Time of India
Special waterfalls tour package buses launched in Belagavi
Belagavi: The NWKRTC has launched special tour package buses from Belagavi for tourists to visit the Gokak and Godachinamalki waterfalls, along with Hidkal dam. These buses will operate on weekends. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now With hordes of tourists flocking to the scenic spots, the North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation arranged special buses from July 6, Sunday. The special bus will leave Belagavi Central Bus Stand at 9am and return at 7pm. During the 10-hour trip, it will cover Hidkal dam, Godachinamalki, and Gokak waterfalls. The bus can accommodate 50 passengers, and the fare is set at Rs 210 per person. For more information, you can contact NWKRTC.


Time of India
02-07-2025
- Time of India
Tourists flock to waterfalls in Belagavi
1 2 Belagavi: With the monsoon rains rejuvenating rivers and landscapes, thousands of tourists are thronging the popular Gokak, Godachinamalki, and Chikhale waterfalls in Belagavi district. Given the rising footfall, police security and bandobast have been intensified at all three locations to ensure public safety. The North-West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) is also planning to launch special monsoon package bus services starting next week. "We will shortly start the special buses to waterfalls in the district," said Rajesh Huddar, divisional controller, NWKRTC, Belagavi, told TOI. Gokak Falls Located 62km from Belagavi city, Gokak Falls is renowned for its 170ft drop of thundering waters over rugged terrain. The 170-metre-long suspension bridge over the falls offers a breathtaking view, although it was temporarily closed for repairs. Adding to the attraction, the state govt has proposed South India's first cable car project at the site under a public-private partnership model, with boating and amusement facilities also in the pipeline. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Искате да научите повече за новото BMW 2 Gran Coupe? BMW Научете повече Undo "The action plan for the cable car project is in its final stages," confirmed district minister Satish Jarkiholi. Godachinamalki Falls Situated 51km from Belagavi and just 10km from Gokak, the Godachinamalki Falls (also known as Markandeya Falls) cascades in steps before plunging 100 feet into a gorge. Its location on the Markandeya River and scenic setting makes it a favourite for nature photographers and weekend travellers. Chikhale Falls Located 45km from Belagavi in the Kanakumbi forest range, Chikhale Falls has rapidly gained popularity among nature lovers and adventure seekers. The forest department reopened the site on June 11, responding to high demand from the public. Belagavi tourists are also flocking to Amboli Falls in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district (71km from Belagavi), along with Kavalesaad and Baba waterfalls nearby.