KOLHAPUR: The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has cancelled all long-distance buses to Karnataka till Saturday as Shiv Sena has decided to launch an agitation against the neighbouring state government’s support to pro-Kannada group that hoisted Kannada flag outside the Belagavi City Corporation.
The local bus service by the MSRTC has already been started buses between on smaller routes like Kagal and Nipani. Similarly the Karanataka State Road Transport Corporation too has resumed local service at its own risk.
The locals from both sides are not obstructing the buses since it is the only mode of daily travel between destinations located on either side of the border. The MSRTC, however, citing security concerns is not allowing Karanataka buses inside Kolhapur depot.
Rohan Palange, divisional controller of MSRTC, said, “We are waiting for green light from the district and police administrations for resuming the bus service at least till Belagavi. We have been told informally not to resume the service till the March 20. The agitations may create further tension between two sides and buses may become the target. For us the security of the passengers is top priority.”