Mysore/Mysuru: With Shakti scheme of the State Government driving more women towards KSRTC buses for free bus rides, the State Government has decided to procure 6,000 new buses. KSRTC, Mysuru Division has submitted a proposal for 60 buses to cater to the surge in demand.

Ever since the launch of the scheme in July last, the buses are running full with passengers jostling for space. Foot-board travelling has also resumed, with men finding it difficult to make way through brimming women passengers Similar is the situation of school and college students.

Taking this into cognisance, the State Government has decided to add 6,000 more buses to its fleet and 260 buses will be purchased in the first phase. It includes 100 Pallakki Non-AC category buses, 120 ordinary buses and 40 AC buses.

KSRTC Mysuru Division Divisional Controller Srinivas said “Of the total buses to be purchased, we have raised the proposal for 60 buses which is expected to be considered in another three to four months. It includes Ashwamedha category buses and ordinary  buses.”

 Presently, KSRTC Mysuru Division has 718 buses. Permission is sought from higher officers to scrap 40 buses. With the new buses expected by the time, said number of buses will be sent to scrap and there won’t be any inconvenience, he added.

That apart, KSRTC Mysuru Division has already received 14 electric buses and 25 other types of buses. There are neither any demand for buses from any routes nor complaints related to shortage of buses, said Srinivas.

There has been a surge in number of passengers following the launch of Shakti scheme. It is obviously turning into a bane for school and college going students. Hence, with the onset of exam season, our officers are handling the situation by staying put at bus stations for the ease of students, said the Divisional Controller, KSRTC Mysuru Division.