KSRTC bus depot needed for Moodubidire

Moodubidire: The absence of a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus depot in Moodubidire is emerging as a major hurdle in expanding government bus services in the region, which serves as a crucial connectivity hub for several taluks.

Buses connecting areas such as Kinnigoli, Mangaluru, Belthangady, Karkala, Bantwal and Dharmasthala frequently pass through Moodubidire.

However, the lack of a proper bus stand and depot has made it difficult to streamline operations and improve passenger convenience. Officials say the absence of a depot is also affecting the deployment of local transport services.

A long-pending proposal to set up a depot at Marpadi has seen little progress despite land measuring around 3.50 acres being allotted to KSRTC. The proposal dates back to 2004, when authorities, including the tahsildar and KSRTC officials, had inspected the site and found it suitable for development.

If established, the depot at Marpadi would significantly improve connectivity from Moodubidire to surrounding regions and facilitate the introduction of additional government buses, including newly sanctioned electric buses for the Mangaluru division.

The issue has also been discussed in a district-level DISHA meeting held in November last year, but delays in file movement have stalled further action.

Officials have reiterated that multiple representations have been submitted to the district administration seeking early approval and execution of the project.

With land already identified, the proposal is now awaiting further processing and government clearance.