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MANGALORE: With MangaloreNalin Kumar Kateel directing KSRTC to apply for permits to introduce bus services to and from Mangalore Central railway station, there are chances that a long-pending wish of Mangaloreans can be fulfilled.

At present, a notification issued by the district magistrate in 1992 prevents RTOs from issuing new permits for the transport corporation to start new services to the State Bank of India terminus. The magistrate had cited increasing traffic to the central area of the city as the reason for its decision.

Noting that the order does not prevent RTA from giving permits to introduce new bus service from Mangalore Central, which is located about half a kilometer from SBI terminus, the MP said that the move will instead give the travelling woes of hundreds of passengers who arrive at the station every day a relief. This will also help commuters from the city too, he said.

When TOI contacted KSRTC Mangalore divisional controller M Mahesh, he said that the corporation will seek permits to introduce more bus services only after studying all aspects of the proposal. "First of all, we will have to conduct a feasibility study. After that we have to make necessary arrangements like appointing drivers, conductors and other necessary staff," he said.

The officer added that the corporation will introduce more services only if RTO sanctions permanent permits. "It will be difficult for KSRTC, if RTO issues only temporary permits of short duration. KSRTC will incur losses if the permits are not renewed after the given period. Hence, we will introduce buses from Mangalore Central only if RTO issues permanent permits," he added.

Even as demand for introduction of KSRTC buses from Mangalore Central Railway Station to various places increases, authorities concerned are contemplating on fulfilling long pending wish of the people.

At present, KSRTC is not in a position to introduce buses to the city as there is a ban on issuance of new bus permits to the main bus terminus of the city namely State Bank of India terminus.

A notification issued by the district magistrate in 1992 prevents RTOs from issuing permits for KSRTC or other operators to run buses to State Bank terminus.

The notification was made considering the increasing flow of vehicles to the central area of the city.