Udupi, January 29, 2026: The deadline for fitting mandatory doors in all buses (including private ones) operating in Udupi district has been extended to June 1, 2026, considering technical and logistical challenges, announced Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar.

The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa T.K. with bus owners’ associations at the DC office conference hall in Manipal on Wednesday.

SP Hariram Shankar stated: “Schools and board exams are ongoing until March, and there is a shortage of sufficient garages in the district to fit doors in all buses simultaneously. Following requests from bus drivers and owners, the administration has granted time until June 1 to install folding-type doors.”

However, fitness certificates (FC) for all buses will not be renewed from now onwards unless the doors are fitted by the extended deadline. Any bus failing to comply by June 1 will face cancellation of its FC.

Bus owners have also given 100% consent to the condition that post-June 1, any non-compliant buses will be impounded. They have assured full cooperation in implementing the district administration’s directives.

The enforcement follows repeated instructions from the District Road Safety Authority and Regional Transport Authority to ensure passenger safety, especially after concerns over accidents involving buses without proper doors.