Karnataka Transport Minister, Mohan Das Pai Trade Barbs Over 'Public Transport Shortage' In Bengaluru

Last Updated:January 30, 2026, 09:46 IST

The Karnataka minister said Pai viewed public transport only through a financial lens, while the government saw it as a public service, not a business.

Vehicles plying on a lane in Bengaluru (X image used for representation)

A heated exchange broke out on X between entrepreneur Mohan Das Pai and Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy over Bengaluru’s public transport system and the involvement of private players.

The online debate erupted after Pai questioned the state government’s approach to public transport. He argued that the system was inefficient and blamed the transport minister’s ideology for holding it back. Pai suggested that allowing private bus operators could improve services and urged the government to open the sector to private participation.

“All we have got is shortage of buses and lack of public transport for last 3 years. (Earlier too) Please allow private buses to provide service. As Minister you have thoroughly failed to ensure adequate public transport because of your dogmatic attitude saying only PSU works. Why? People need public transport irrespective of who provides it," wrote Pai on X.

Responding strongly, Ramalinga Reddy rejected Pai’s criticism and challenged him to a direct, face-to-face discussion on the issue. The minister said such a debate could be held on any platform and added that even the Managing Director of the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) would be capable of addressing Pai’s concerns. He asked Pai to engage in dialogue instead of continuing the argument online.

“Our BMTC MD is enough to handle a face-to-face debate with you on any platform. Kindly come and discuss the facts with them directly. Are you ready to step up, or will you just keep tweeting? Your view is not just biased—it is fundamentally dogmatic. You look at a public service and see a balance sheet; I look at it and see 1.5 crore citizens," Reddy responded on X.

The Transport Minister accused Pai of looking at public transport only from a financial point of view. He said the government viewed transport as a public service meant to benefit citizens, not just as a business model.

Defending the state’s policies, Reddy referred to the Shakti scheme, which provides free bus travel for women. He said the scheme had brought major change and claimed it had offered free travel worth more than Rs 650 crore so far.

Reddy described the Shakti scheme as more than just a welfare programme, calling it the largest economic empowerment initiative for women in the country. He again invited Pai to come forward for a direct discussion to debate the future of Bengaluru’s transport system.

“Private operators shut down the moment profits dip. How would that help a common man in Bengaluru who earns a daily wage? A private monopoly would be a crushing burden on the poor. Public transport is a right, not a luxury. Our PSUs are here to stay, to serve, and to lead Karnataka," concluded Reddy.

Bengaluru has been grappling with worsening traffic congestion for years, driven by rapid urban growth, rising private vehicle numbers and gaps in last-mile connectivity.’

Despite the city having one of the largest public bus fleets in the country, commuters continue to face long travel times, overcrowded buses and limited coverage in newly developed areas.

Debates around improving efficiency, expanding capacity and exploring alternative transport models have repeatedly surfaced, especially amid delays in metro expansion and growing pressure on existing road infrastructure.

News india Karnataka Transport Minister, Mohan Das Pai Trade Barbs Over 'Public Transport Shortage' In Bengaluru

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