Karwar: The state government has allocated Rs. 130 crore for the purchase of 2000 new buses. Transport and Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy stated that 300 new buses would be procured for the North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) within the next four months.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the new central bus terminal and regional transport office buildings in Sirsi, the minister mentioned that an additional 400 buses would be added to the NWKRTC fleet, bringing the total number of new buses to 700 for the convenience of people across six districts under its jurisdiction.
Since the implementation of the Shakti scheme, 480 crore women have traveled for free. Due to the lack of bus purchases over the past four years, the transport sector has faced several challenges. However, these issues will be resolved gradually. The government plans to recruit 9,000 staff members across four transport corporations, including 2,000 personnel for NWKRTC and 1,000 personnel under compassionate grounds.
To support transport employees, a health insurance scheme has been introduced. Employees can avail of this benefit for an annual premium of Rs. 850, covering their entire family. Agreements have been signed with 300 hospitals, and this scheme will be implemented in NWKRTC within the next three months.
Minister for Fisheries, Ports, and Inland Water Transport and Uttara Kannada District In-Charge Minister Mankal S. Vaidya emphasized that the state government has fulfilled its pre-election promises. He assured that facilities for students, women, and the general public are being provided without any inconvenience. The long-pending demand of Sirsi residents for a central bus terminal with adequate infrastructure has been fulfilled, ensuring better accessibility.
Chairman of NWKRTC and MLA Bharamgowda (Raju) Alagouda Kage stated that old bus terminals under NWKRTC would be gradually replaced with new ones. The purchase of new buses aims to enhance commuter convenience and safety. Additionally, in case of an employee's death during duty, the accident insurance amount has been increased from Rs. 50 lakh to Rs. 1 crore. He urged the transport minister to discuss employee demands with the Chief Minister.
Sirsi MLA Bheemanna T. Naik requested additional buses for the Sirsi division and proposed the construction of a bus depot in Siddapur.
The event was attended by Yellapur MLA Arabail Shivaram Hebbar, District Guarantee Scheme Implementation Committee President Satish Naik, Sirsi Municipal Council President Sharmila Madangere, Sirsi Urban Development Authority Chairman Jagadish N. Gowda, NWKRTC Vice President Peersab Koutal, Transport and Road Safety Commissioner Yogesh A. M., Joint Transport Commissioner Omkareshwari, NWKRTC Managing Director Priyanka M., Deputy Commissioner K. Lakshmipriya, Sirsi Sub-Divisional Officer Kavyarani, and other dignitaries.