CM not happy over KSRTC Mysuru division bifurcation

Mysuru: Nearly a year after the merger, the state government has decided to bifurcate the KSRTC Mysuru division to improve its efficiency. Chief minister Siddaramaiah has directed KSRTCMysuru divisional officers in a meeting to send a proposal in this regard, officers said.
It can be recalled that on March 1, 2022, KSRTC merged the Mysuru urban and rural divisions as part of its cost-cutting measures. Post merger the number of depots came down to 9 from 11.
Bannimantap depot (urban division), and depot 2, Mysuru rural division were merged. Two divisional workshops of the urban division were merged into one. The mechanical wing staff, drivers, and conductors of the urban division were allotted the depot of their choice.
While reviewing the preparations made for the Shakti scheme with KSRTC Mysuru division officials on Saturday, Siddaramaiah expressed his displeasure over the merger when officials informed him that it resulted in a lot of inconveniences.
“Send me a proposal of the demerger of the division,” the chief minister directed in charge of the divisional controller, Mysuru division, Marigowda.
Chamundeshwari MLA GT Devegowda alleged that after the merger, the KSRTC is not operating rural services causing problems for the women and students. “The KSRTC has cancelled several rural schedules after Covid-19. It is causing problems for all. The government must look into this,” he urged.
1.56L tickets issued
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, response to the Shakti scheme continued to surge. KSRTC officials and conductors informed that the number of women passengers is more since Monday. “On Monday, a total of 1.56 lakh tickets were issued under Shakti scheme. As of now, there is no need for extra buses to cater for the needs. We expected to get a clear picture in a week’s time,” explained Marigowda.
“An average of four lakh passengers travel in our buses. We didn't keep the data on women passengers earlier, but definitely, there is an increase in the number of women passengers post-launch of the Shakti scheme,” said KSRTC officials.