District in-charge Minister B. Ramanath Rai on Tuesday suggested to the administration to consider allowing operation of direct city bus services between the city centre (State Bank) and Panambur Beach so as to boost tourism.
Chairing the district tourism committee review meeting here, Mr. Rai’s suggestion came after CEO of Panambur Beach Tourism Development Project Yathish Baikampady drew the attention towards the lack of last mile connectivity to the Beach.
While Deputy Commissioner A.B. Ibrahim wanted the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) to route all city buses plying between State Bank and Surathkal-Katipalla via Panambur Beach between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., Senior Regional Transport Officer and RTA Secretary Afzal Ahmed Khan said operators as well as other passengers would oppose the same.
To this, Mr. Rai asked the RTA to consider issuing fresh permits for direct services between State Bank and Panambur Beach.
Mr. Ibrahim informed the meeting that though the district got about Rs. 13 crore to augment tourism infrastructure a few months back from the government, works are yet to kick start. Works in two other coastal districts, Uttara Kannada and Udupi, have already commenced. Mr. Rai directed the departments concerned to expedite the process.
The meeting also took stock of progress in various development works being executed by different departments to promote tourism in the district.
