Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy lays foundation stone for ₹5 crore bus stand in Aland

Transport and Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Saturday said the State government has given priority to filling vacant posts in the four transport corporations and has submitted a proposal to the Finance Department seeking approval to recruit 2,736 officers and staff.

He was speaking at a public function in Aland town after laying the foundation stone for the new ₹5 crore bus stand, being built by the Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC).

Mr. Reddy said that drivers and conductors were the backbone of the transport system, and the failure to recruit staff between 2016 and 2023 had created a human resources crunch.

“Since our government assumed office, we have recruited about 10,000 employees, including 1,000 on compassionate grounds,” he said.

Bus fleet and infrastructure

Mr. Reddy pointed out that KKRTC was in comparatively better financial health than the other three corporations.

“Five crore is insufficient for the Aland bus stand. Once work begins, more funds will be released. Over the past two years, we have given 1,031 buses to KKRTC. This year alone, KSRTC has got 900, NWKRTC 700, and KKRTC 400 buses. Considering population growth and rising demand, KKRTC will seek additional funds from KKRDB for bus purchases,” he said.

He also assured staff welfare, highlighting insurance cover of ₹1.5 crore for KSRTC staff and ₹1 crore for other corporations, enhanced gratuity of ₹10 lakh, and accident insurance of ₹10 lakh for passengers.

On Shakti scheme

The Minister said that women had availed over 517 crore free trips worth ₹13,000 crore under the Shakti scheme so far. Responding to MLA B.R. Patil’s, demand, he said the possibility of extending the scheme to AC and inter-State buses would be placed before the Chief Minister.

The Minister handed over appointment orders to 36 dependents of deceased employees on compassionate grounds and distributed ₹10 lakh accident relief cheques to the families of two passengers who died in mishaps.

Local demands

Mr. Patil, who presided, sought 20 additional buses for Aland depot and urged that Shakti scheme benefits extend up to the Maharashtra border, given the high inter-State passenger traffic. He also called for new bus stands at Mahdan Hipperga, Nimbal, Hirolli, Khajuri, and Kadaganchi.

Tippannappa Kamakanur, MLC, aid that the new bus stand should be well-equipped and assured that further funds could be sought from KKRDB if required.

Project details

The old 40-year-old Aland bus stand, located in a low-lying area, often got waterlogged. The new facility, coming up on 1 acre 22 guntas (including 20 guntas acquired from APMC land), will accommodate 12 buses, and will feature a passenger concourse, lighting, waiting halls, restrooms, food court, drinking water unit, women’s rest room, child care room, and commercial outlets.

Lok Sabha Member from Bidar Sagar Khandre, KKRTC Managing Director B. Sushila, CMC president Firdous Ansari, and several local leaders and officials were present..