Hubballi: In the northern parts of Karnataka, where mercury levels soar during summer, the disparity in access to air-conditioned buses is evident. While areas like Kalaburagi experience temperatures reaching 45 degrees Celsius, the availability of luxury buses remains significantly lower when compared to regions like Bengaluru. Kalyana Karnataka (KKRTC) and North-Western Karnataka Road Transport (NWKRTC) possess only 252 luxury buses combined, in contrast to the four-fold higher numbers operated by KSRTC and BMTC that have headquarters in the state capital.
This inequality persists even in current procurement initiatives, indicating a systemic bias against the northern region. Notably, the Kalaburagi region recently acquired Volvo buses for the first time, marking a historic milestone. Sunil Kulkarni, president of Kalyana Karnataka Grahakara Vedike, told STOI that now, the fare difference between AC and non-AC buses is less compared to the pre-covid period. “From an affordability point of view, Kittur Karnataka and Kalyana Karnataka people can afford and it will be very beneficial during the summer season. KKRTC and NWKRTC must get more AC buses for both multi-city travel and travelling within the city,” he opined.
Mallikarjun Savakar, former chairman of NWKRTC, who is also a BJP leader, said that luxury buses have been restricted only to Bengaluru for years. “They never think of northern districts while providing facilities. They always give used buses of KSRTC and BMTC to NWKRTC and KKRTC,” he noted.
Sadanand Danganavar, former chairman of NWKRTC, and a Congress leader, admitted that this has been happening for years. “This time, we will request the chief minister and transport minister to minimise the discrimination and to give an equal number of luxury buses to NWKRTC and KKRTC,” he added.
Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy was unavailable for comment and the query sent on WhatsApp remained unanswered.
This inequality persists even in current procurement initiatives, indicating a systemic bias against the northern region. Notably, the Kalaburagi region recently acquired Volvo buses for the first time, marking a historic milestone. Sunil Kulkarni, president of Kalyana Karnataka Grahakara Vedike, told STOI that now, the fare difference between AC and non-AC buses is less compared to the pre-covid period. “From an affordability point of view, Kittur Karnataka and Kalyana Karnataka people can afford and it will be very beneficial during the summer season. KKRTC and NWKRTC must get more AC buses for both multi-city travel and travelling within the city,” he opined.
Mallikarjun Savakar, former chairman of NWKRTC, who is also a BJP leader, said that luxury buses have been restricted only to Bengaluru for years. “They never think of northern districts while providing facilities. They always give used buses of KSRTC and BMTC to NWKRTC and KKRTC,” he noted.
Sadanand Danganavar, former chairman of NWKRTC, and a Congress leader, admitted that this has been happening for years. “This time, we will request the chief minister and transport minister to minimise the discrimination and to give an equal number of luxury buses to NWKRTC and KKRTC,” he added.
Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy was unavailable for comment and the query sent on WhatsApp remained unanswered.