Udupi, September 29, 2025 – Despite permissions for some routes, private bus owners have obtained court stay orders, and the Transport Authority has not intervened, leaving rural areas in Byndoor and Kundapur without KSRTC buses, alleged Rajiv Padukone, Taluk President of the Building and Other Construction Workers Union (CITU).

Addressing the indefinite satyagraha dharna at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Friday, organized by DYFI Padukone Unit, Udupi District Hanchu Workers Union, CITU Byndoor and Kundapur, Akhil Bharat Janavadi Mahila Sanghatane, and Karnataka Pranta Krishi Koolikara Sangha, Padukone demanded KSRTC operations in underserved villages.

Under the New Comprehensive Area Scheme (07.03.2019), the Transport Authority must grant permits for nationalized routes, but delays persist. “We demand a joint meeting with the Authority,” he urged.

CITU State Secretary Suresh Kallagar criticized the unholy alliance between officials, representatives, and private owners, depriving women and students of Shakti scheme benefits. “Private buses force girls to board last and deny seats, humiliating them,” he said.

Participants included District Secretary H. Narasimha, CITU District General Secretary Chandrashekar V., Treasurer Kaviraaj S. Kanchan, Krishi Koolikara Sangha’s Nagaratna Naada, Janavadi Mahila Sanghatane’s Shilavati, Dalit Rights Committee District Convenor Sanjeev Balkur, Nagaratna, Nalini, Umesh Kundar, and Nagaratna Paduvari.