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Time of India
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Procedural delays hinder KSRTC's electric bus plans
Mangaluru: Though the govt has sanctioned 100 electric buses each to the KSRTC's Mangaluru and Puttur divisions, it may take several months for the authorities to make this happen. The KSRTC Mangaluru division was sanctioned 100 electric buses, but officials said they are waiting for approval from Mescom to set up two charging stations in the city. The division can float tenders to build charging stations only after getting approval from Mescom. Further, it will take at least three months for the KSRTC to build charging stations at Bejai and Kuntikana. Rajesh Shetty, senior divisional controller of KSRTC Mangaluru division, said that the proposal to run electric buses is still in its initial stage of implementation. "We have to set up charging stations before commencing the operation of electric buses. For this, we need approval from Mescom. KSRTC's request for permission from Mescom to set up charging stations at the KSRTC bus stand in Bejai and the depot at Kuntikana is in its final stage. Once the approval is given, Mescom will begin the underground cable laying work to both locations. Later, the KSRTC will invite tenders to build charging stations on its premises. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo It may take at least three months to build charging stations at the KSRTC bus stand and depot. In the next phase, the division will finalise the routes on which the new electric buses can be introduced," said Shetty. In fact, all the new 100 electric buses are meant only for operations within the city limits. There are two types of electric buses, including 250 km and 180 km range, respectively. Depending on the type of vehicles the govt sanctions to the division, the division will prepare routes and schedules, he said. There is another demand from the people to introduce round-trip buses that operate within Mangaluru city. The RTO has suggested the division reserve at least two to three buses exclusively to cover major locations within Mangaluru city. Those buses will operate within the city limits, covering major locations like KSRTC, Lalbagh, Bejai, KPT, Kavoor, Padil, and other places. The division will have to appoint additional drivers and conductors to introduce the round-trip buses, the officer said. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !


Time of India
20-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
KSRTC plans to connect all new buses to DC office
Mangaluru: As the deputy commissioner's office and approximately 30 departments relocate to the new Praja Soudha at Padil, there is a growing need for enhanced bus connectivity from different routes. The previous DC office's proximity to the State Bank bus terminal made it easily accessible for residents from all taluks in the district. The new DC office's location in Padil necessitates commuters from Ullal and Moodbidri taluks, and various city areas to take two separate buses for their journey. The public anticipates KSRTC to establish direct bus services to Padil from multiple locations. In response to public demand, the Mangaluru division of the KSRTC decided to operate all buses with new permits on the Padil route. Rajesh Shetty, senior divisional controller of KSRTC Mangaluru division, said that the division decided to connect all new buses to the new DC office. "Whenever a new permit is allotted for Mangaluru, the route will be prepared in such a way that those buses will connect the new DC office. We have a sufficient number of KSRTC buses that operate from the State Bank bus terminal. Many KSRTC buses operate from the State Bank bus terminal towards Uppinangady, Vittal, Puttur, Dharmasthala, and other places. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ótimas notícias para os cidadãos brasileiros! Leia mais Undo Our plan is that all new buses to Talapady, Surathkal, Mulki, Moodbidri, and Karkala will be introduced via Padil. Currently, people from Moodbidri, Karkala, Surathkal, and Ullal cannot reach Padil directly," he said. At present, buses from Karkala enter Mangaluru city via Moodbidri and Nanthoor. Instead of that, all new buses from Karkala will be routed via Nanthoor-Kankanady-Pumpwell, to reach Padil. Buses on Surathkal-Farangipete journey will also be introduced via Padil. Similarly, buses will also be introduced on Talapady-Pumpwell-Padil-Maroli-Nanthoor-Mangaluru city. This will help people to reach the new DC office from all directions, Shetty said.


The Hindu
12-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
KSRTC takes lead while private buses lag in adopting UPI payments
While the KSRTC in Mangaluru Division has enabled UPI-based ticket fare payment in its buses through handheld electronic devices, the private buses have lagged though the devices are in place in private buses for the last three years. KSRTC Mangaluru Divisional Controller Rajesh Shetty told The Hindu that the KSRTC has introduced UPI-based payments in all its buses, including those operating on the 533 routes under Mangaluru division, six months ago. Of the 533 routes covered, 53 routes pertain to Mangaluru city. Using the handheld device, the bus conductor types the origin and destination of the commuter, which leads to the generation of a dynamic QR code. The commuter scans and makes the payment using different payment apps. On completion of the payment to the account of KSRTC Mangaluru Depot, the device generates the ticket. 'Our conductors are quite relieved with the QR-based payment system as there is no need to return the change (cash) to travellers'Rajesh ShettyKSRTC Mangaluru Divisional Controller 'Our conductors are quite relieved with the QR-based payment system as there is no need to return the change (cash) to travellers,' Mr. Shetty said. Dakshina Kannada Bus Owners' Association tied up with Mumbai-based bus transport technology company, 'Chalo', for issuing e-tickets and tracking the movement of buses. As part of it, 'Chalo' issued electronic ticketing machines (ETMs) to 490 private buses, including 300 city buses, operating from Mangaluru three years ago. A 'Chalo' executive who overlooks operations of ETMs said that of the 490 buses, only around 60 buses are making use of the ETMs. All the buses on Route No. 27 from State Bank of India to Mangaladevi Temple, buses to Kuppepadavu and a few other routes are making use of ETMs. Sudheendra, a resident of Jeppu, said only a few conductors on Route No. 27 buses accept payment through UPI and on some routes, the conductors take payment on their mobile phones instead of the ETMs. Mangaluru Regional Transport Officer Shridhar Mallad said that since a month, random checks are being done on the city routes and cases are being registered if tickets are not issued. 'We want buses to issue tickets—using ETMs or any other mode is left to the operators.' President of Dakshina Kannada Bus Owners' Association Aziz Parthippady said bus operators will be convinced to introduce UPI-based payment in all buses.