Madikeri: Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy inaugurated the KSRTC bus stand at Shanivarasanthe on Saturday.The minister said it was decided to name the facility after Field Marshal KM Cariappa, the country’s first Army Chief, who was born and brought up in Shanivarasanthe. He said cabinet approval will be obtained for the same. The bus stand was built at a cost of Rs 1 crore.
The minister also announced that a grant will be provided to lay concrete within the bus stand premises. Reddy said a bus stand will also be built at Kodlipet.He highlighted the govt’s guarantee scheme, stating that more than 670 crore women travelled by bus under the Shakti scheme, calling it a record. He added that 10,000 drivers and conductors were recruited by the KSRTC. On fleet strength, he said KSRTC earlier operated 5,800 buses and added 2,000 this year, taking the total to 7,800 buses in the state, and that new buses are purchased annually. He said the upcoming budget gives greater emphasis to road connectivity and assured support for transport-related works, including additional bus facilities for Kodagu district.MLA Manthar Gowda, religious leader Sadashiva Swami, and Congress leader HS Chandramouli were present.
