22 women keep KSRTC wheels turning
Incredible ladies of Namma KSRTC work tirelessly behind the scenes to repair, maintain and keep the fleet of buses safe and roadworthy…
By M.T. Yogesh Kumar
The heart of Mysuru’s Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) Rural Division lies in the hands of women workers, who, behind the scenes, skilfully carry out complex tasks and prove women’s strength, earning admiration.
Thousands of passengers travel daily from the Sub-Urban Bus Stand in these buses to various destinations and ensuring the safe operation of these buses is the responsibility of a dedicated women’s workforce who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
Repairing KSRTC buses is a challenging task and it is noteworthy that women staff work just as hard as their male counterparts. These women have proved true women’s power to those who dismissively claim that buses are overcrowded only because of female passengers travelling under the ‘Shakti’ Scheme.
The Rural Division operates more than 650 buses across different depots. Each day, three to four buses face technical issues and are sent to the workshop for repairs. Drivers identify minor problems and when larger issues arise, buses are dispatched to the workshop for thorough servicing.
At the Rural Division workshop near Bannimantap Depot, there are 42 staff members in total, of whom 22 are women. These women efficiently handle challenging tasks across different sections, working hard to keep the transport buses in good condition.
The workshop has sections for sticker work, glass, gearbox, pump, brake section, pressure plate, clutch plate, joints, machine shop (lathe), starter alternator, seats, painting, AC electricians, DC wiring and chassis section. Women staff members are actively engaged in several of these key sections.
Moreover, buses from different companies that come to the workshop have parts that vary in design and technology. According to the specific systems used in each bus, workshop staff acquire expertise in repair work, thereby playing a crucial role in keeping the transport buses in good condition.
25 years of service deeply satisfying: P. Premamma
Among the 22 women serving in different sections of the workshop, P. Premamma stands out as the senior-most staff member. She has worked as a mechanic for 25 years and continues to serve in the clutch section. She also guides ITI college students during their internships, passing on the skills she has acquired.
Premamma says: “I studied ITI and joined the KSRTC as a mechanic in 2001. I have now completed 25 years. Earlier, I worked in the brake section and seat section, and now I am in the clutch section. I have worked in all sections. If one has an interest, all kinds of work can be learnt. Sometimes lifting heavy parts feels tough, but apart from that, if you enjoy the work, it doesn’t feel difficult.”
She recalled that she first worked as an electrician, then handled wiring, later worked in the seat section and gradually proved that women can work in every section. Starting as a Helper-B, she was promoted step by step to Helper-A, Assistant Artisan and now serves as an Artisan.
Her duty hours run from 8 am to 5 pm, balancing home and children alongside her responsibilities. She emphasised that the clutch and brake play a crucial role in ensuring safe bus travel.
“In the workshop, bus parts are tested and reconditioned. Buses run on engines ranging from BS-2, TATA BS-3, BS-4, to BS-6 and parts vary accordingly. We adapt our work to suit each engine type,” she says.
Premamma highlighted that family support is vital. Her husband and two daughters (one in degree studies and the other in PUC) encourage her, which has made her 25 years of service deeply satisfying..
Mechanic to workshop supervisor: Sridevi
Sridevi, who has been with the KSRTC for 18 years, began her career as a mechanic and has now been promoted to workshop supervisor. She oversees the entire workshop, which has 42 staff members, including 22 women.
“When a bus arrives at the workshop, we first identify the issues sent from the depot and then carry out the necessary repairs. Before sending buses for fitness certification, we ensure every detail is checked,” she says.
Sridevi highlighted that the 22 women staff members perform their duties responsibly. She also noted that women employees benefit from facilities such as maternity and childcare leave, which helps them balance work and family. Importantly, male staff members extend support and cooperation, creating a collaborative environment.
A master in bus brake systems: Ramya
Ramya, originally from Hassan and now residing in Metagalli, has been serving as a KSRTC mechanic for 17 years. For the past 8 years, she has been working in Mysuru Rural Division workshop, currently in brake system section, an important part in a bus.
Buses come in for repair and inspection of air brakes, APD connectors, brake chambers, RGT valves and hand brakes. These are checked thoroughly, often using air machines. She noted that reconditioning can be challenging, but she enjoys the work and has not faced any major problems so far.
Ramya emphasised that in recent times, women have been advancing in every field, which is commendable. She expressed satisfaction in serving as a mechanic, saying that the work gives her fulfilment.
Brother’s support, guidance helped: Parvathi
Parvathi, originally from Ballari, has been serving in the workshop for the past 13 years, currently working in brake section. With the encouragement of her brother, also a mechanic at Huvinahadagali Depot, she completed ITI and joined KSRTC as a mechanic.
She has worked in different sections earlier, but now focuses on brake repairs. Since brakes play a crucial role in bus safety, buses that come in for repair are thoroughly checked for brake condition and repaired if necessary.
Parvathi recalls that in the beginning, the work felt difficult, but senior colleagues supported and guided her, which helped her overcome challenges.
At first glance, it looks tough, but… : Mallamma Singanalli
Mallamma Singanalli, originally from Vijayapura, joined the KSRTC in 2009. She first worked in the painting and FIT sections, and now serves in the seat section.
Her work involves keeping bus seats in good condition, repairing or stitching torn seats when required.
She explained that while the job may look difficult from the outside, once you gain experience, the work becomes manageable.
Family support matters: Premavva Padanakatti
Premavva Padanakatti, working in the seat section, explained that after joining the workshop, seniors train newcomers across different sections.
She emphasised that family support is equally important. The seat section’s responsibility is to ensure that bus seats remain in good condition. When buses come in for repair or fitness checks, seats are inspected and if damaged, they are repaired.
Can’t sit idle because work is heavy: B.M. Radhamma
B.M. Radhamma has been working as a mechanic for 18 years. She first served in the docking section at the depot and now works in the paint section. She explained that buses sent for fitness certification must be painted and buses that suffer damage for various reasons also require repainting.
Radhamma noted that although painting work is heavy and involves strong fumes, she carries it out with necessary precautions such as wearing a mask.
She shared that she has two children, one of whom is specially-abled. To support the family, her husband resigned from his Police job to care for the children, while she continues her service in KSRTC.
She proudly stated that women are now working in large numbers across all fields, performing on par with men. She encouraged more women to step forward and become professionals.
Balancing work & higher studies: Vani
Vani, who has been serving in the workshop for 16 years, shared that she has worked across different divisions and is currently in the pump section. She explained that the pump section is vital for buses, functioning like the ‘heart’ of the vehicle.
Remarkably, while working as a mechanic, she also completed both her Under-Graduate (UG) and Post-Graduate (PG) degrees, proving that dedication can balance both professional and academic growth.
This post was published on March 9, 2026 6:10 pm