Mysuru: State-run Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses reported more accident cases than private buses in Mysuru district. According to a data analysis on accident cases by the police and transport department, 307 state-run buses and 73 private buses met with road accidents in the last three years.Though the travelling in state-run buses is considered safe by people, the increasing number of accident cases by state-run buses has triggered safety doubts among the people.Mysuru rural division buses reported the second-highest number of accidents after Bengaluru KSRTC division in the state.According to the last three years’ data, 112 state-run buses met with accidents in 2023, 74 buses in 2024 and 121 buses in 2025.Among the 73 private buses that were involved in the accidents, 20 buses met with accidents in 2023, 24 buses in 2024 and 29 buses in 2025.Speeding, rash driving, driving under the influence of alcohol, violation of traffic rules, poor maintenance of buses, unscientific road humps, and bad roads were identified as some of the main reasons for buses meeting with accidents in the report.Even though both the transport and police department organise road traffic and safety awareness workshops from time to time about safe driving for drivers, accidents in state-run buses continue to be reported, risking the lives of the people. The department also deputes drivers on a shift basis, recommending rest to encourage safe driving.Speaking to TOI, KSRTC Mysuru rural division’s divisional controller Srinivas said that the KSRTC has initiated a slew of measures to curb road accidents involving state-run buses. “It includes daily training for drivers about safe driving, providing incentives, appreciation certificates, gold medals for best drivers, and rewards. The KSRTC has also given utmost priority to maintenance of buses for their regular time-to-time repair, and initiated several other measures to completely reduce cases of its buses meeting with accidents in the division,” he contended.“As rash driving, speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol are identified as major reasons for accidents, both transport and police must initiate measures considering the safety of bus drivers, bus passengers and common people,” said Mahadevaiah, a retired police official.BOXData of KSRTC busesYear accidents2023 – 112 2024 – 742025 – 121
