Hubballi: Minister Reddy Flags Off “Pallakki” Buses for Enhanced Travel Experience, Promises Introduction of 884 New Buses
The Minister stated that his government is committed to providing high-quality service to passengers. He announced that around 884 new buses would be inducted into the NWKRTC by the end of March this year, with over 300 buses set to be pressed into service on January 29. These new buses will be inaugurated by CM Siddaramaiah in Navalgund during the opening of the developed bus stand in Navalgund.
Ramalinga Reddy mentioned that the Gokul Road bus stand and the redevelopment of Dharwad CBT would be completed within a year. The Gokul Road bus stand is slated to be upgraded at an estimated cost of Rs 23 crore, while Dharwad CBT will be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 13 crore.
Admitting that students relying on state transport corporation buses are facing difficulties due to the Shakti scheme, Reddy attributed this to the increase in passengers, especially women travelers. The government allowed women to travel freely on state transport corporation buses across Karnataka, and he criticized the maladministration of the previous BJP government.
Reddy acknowledged that the problem worsened because the previous BJP government did not purchase a single bus in their four-year tenure and failed to recruit personnel. He mentioned that over 13,880 personnel retired without a single recruitment, and now the state government has decided to hire over 9,000 employees. With the recruitment of new personnel and the availability of new buses, the service is expected to improve, and the issues faced by students will be resolved.
The Minister also launched software called “Spandana” developed to address the grievances of NWKRTC staff. Additionally, he handed over appointment letters to the kins of the deceased NWKRTC staff who were offered jobs on compassionate grounds.
Reddy also inaugurated the service of “Pallakki” buses, new non-AC sleeper buses. District in Charge Minister Santosh Lad, MLAs NH Konaraddi, Mahesh Tenginkai, NWKRTC MD Bharat S and others were present.
