Mangaluru : Breaking the jinx over issue of city bus permits to KSRTC in Mangaluru, the Dakshina Kannada Regional Transport Authority (RTA) on Tuesday asked the corporation to file fresh applications for 17 services avoiding saturated routes.

Amidst vociferous opposition from private bus operators, the RTA had earlier issued permits to KSRTC on 18 routes as against 35 demanded. In Tuesday’s meeting, RTA Chairman and Deputy Commissioner A.B. Ibrahim asked the KSRTC to file fresh applications for permits avoiding congested routes.

The District Magistrate notification banning entry of new services into State Bank area would be relaxed if the KSRTC chooses non-serviced routes, he said. He asked KSRTC to elicit public opinion on the requirement of services by April 15 and fixed April 30 as the date for next meeting to consider the fresh applications.

Private operators, who are opposing KSRTC’s entry into city services, have relied upon the District Magistrate’s notification issued in 1990 fixing cap on the number of buses that can enter the heart of the city. The RTA too was citing the same notification to deny permits to KSRTC for over two years. Despite High Court rulings that the notification can be modified periodically to suit the changing situation, the District Magistrate was hesitant to modify the same until the government issued some directions.

Social activist G. Hanumanth Kamath demanded KSRTC to look for routes that are not being serviced presently, but have huge potential in terms of ridership. There are many unconnected highly populated areas in the city. He urged KSRTC to focus on these areas and introduce circular route services.

Superintendent of Police Sharanappa S. Dhage, in-charge Senior Regional Transport Officer G.S. Hegde and others were present.