Kundapur Police Crack Down on Overcrowded Buses, Commuters Left Stranded

Kundapur: Police in the Kundapur region have begun a strict enforcement drive against private buses carrying more passengers than permitted. Bus operators now face fines of Rs 200 for every extra passenger found on board. While the initiative aims to improve road safety, it has created unexpected difficulties for daily commuters and students.

Since the crackdown began, many private bus operators have stopped picking up passengers traveling short distances. Fearing penalties, drivers are now avoiding local stops altogether. With an already limited number of buses during peak hours, passengers are finding it increasingly difficult to reach their destinations on time.

Why Police Are Taking Action

Police officials say the fines are necessary to protect passenger safety. The drive was launched following several recent bus accidents in the area. During inspections, authorities found buses carrying as many as 50 passengers beyond their seating capacity. Some commuters were spotted traveling dangerously on footboards.

The enforcement campaign is currently being conducted across the entire district. Police are specifically targeting buses that exceed capacity limits and those allowing passengers to hang from doors and footboards.

Commuters Bear the Brunt

Despite the safety concerns, passengers say they have little choice but to board overcrowded buses due to the shortage of available transport. Now, with bus operators refusing to pick them up, many locals are left waiting at stops for extended periods.

“Private bus operators are scared of fines, so they only take long-distance passengers and ignore school students or short-trip travelers,” said a regular commuter. “We’re forced to take auto-rickshaws or walk, which is neither affordable nor practical.”

Deadline Extended for Door Installation

To further enhance safety, the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) had earlier mandated that all private buses, except city transport buses, must install passenger doors. The Dakshina Kannada RTA issued this directive in September last year, but most operators failed to comply.

The deadline has now been extended until December. Officials have stated that a separate decision regarding door installation for city buses will be made soon, and strict action will be taken against those who fail to meet the new deadline.

Public Demands More Buses, Not Just Fines

Frustrated commuters argue that imposing fines will not solve the core issue unless the number of buses is increased first. “There simply aren’t enough buses during rush hours. The government should add more private and KSRTC buses before penalizing operators,” locals said.

Residents also pointed out that some private buses with valid permits are not being operated on certain routes. Meanwhile, government bus services face undue pressure from private operators. Even on routes with high demand for KSRTC buses, services are not being run, leaving people stranded.

“Overcrowding and footboard travel happen because there aren’t enough buses. If government buses are increased, it will also help women take advantage of free travel schemes,” residents added.

Bus Operators Express Concerns

Private bus owners say they are being unfairly targeted despite providing essential transport services. With rising fuel costs, staff salaries, and maintenance expenses, they claim it is not financially viable to limit passengers strictly to seating capacity.

“We’re trying to serve the public, but the operational costs keep going up. If we can’t fill our buses, how do we stay in business?” said a bus operator.

Committee Member Calls for Better Solutions

Abhijith Poojari Herikudru, a member of the Guarantee Implementation Committee, suggested a more balanced approach. “Private buses with valid permits should be allowed to run freely on all routes. If needed, the government should deploy additional buses to meet passenger demand,” he said.

Police Defend the Drive

Responding to complaints, Nuthan, Sub-Inspector at Kundapur Traffic Police Station, clarified that police are not stopping buses or forcing passengers to disembark. “We are only fining operators for each excess passenger. This campaign is being carried out under the instructions of senior officers to prevent accidents, especially those involving students hanging on footboards,” he said.

The police maintain that the enforcement is necessary to ensure safer travel, particularly for school-going children and other vulnerable passengers.