Steps being taken to decongest traffic in Manipal

R. Vishal, Deputy Commissioner, said on Saturday that it has become essential to reduce traffic congestion in Manipal. He was presiding over the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) meeting here.

Dr. Vishal said that the Police Department, Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) and the T.A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI) had conducted a study on the traffic management and public conveyance in various parts of the city.

As per the reports of the study given to the district administration, there was heavy traffic congestion in Manipal.

In light of this, the district administration had called for public objections for its proposal to restrict future bus permits for buses coming from Karkala-Hiriyadka side to Manipal, a few days ago.

Bus permits

In order to check congestion, the District Magistrate’s Notification had been extended up to Parika (Saukhyavana Bus Stop) in Parkala. Consequently, buses with new permits would be able to operate from Karkala to Parkala.

However, the buses with old permits would operate as usual.

There were many requests from the public seeking buses to their areas.

But the RTA only approved or rejected the permits sought by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) or private bus companies. Those wanting buses for their areas should also approach the KSRTC or private bus companies, Dr. Vishal said.

Jaya Shetty, a commuter from Karkala, said that though the RTA had revised bus fares in February 2015, some private bus operators were not following it. These private buses continued to demand excess fares.

“Though the price of diesel has been reduced twice since then, we are not seeking reduction of fares. We only want the bus operators to charge fares fixed by the RTA. Some bus conductors are not even giving tickets for the journey,” Mr. Shetty said.

Dr. Vishal directed the Assistant Regional Transport Officer to take action on this issue on Monday. He also asked Mr. Shetty to visit his office after visiting the Regional Transport office here on Monday.

K. Annamalai, Superintendent of Police, was present.

Buses with new permits would be able to operate from Karkala to Parkala