Mysore/Mysuru: Due to the COVID-19 induced nationwide lockdown, the KSRTC Mysuru Rural Division has suffered a loss of Rs. 4.2 crore in the three-month period running from March to June.

KSRTC Mysuru Rural Divisional Controller R. Ashok Kumar told ‘Star of Mysore’ that the Division used to earn Rs. 80 lakh to Rs.1 crore a month during normal times through operation of trips. Also about Rs.1.4 crore revenue used to be generated a month from rentals of shops and other commercial establishments functioning from bus stand complexes in the city and across the district. In total, the revenue earnings amounted to about Rs. 4.2 crore a month, he said and added that the KSRTC has lost this revenue due to suspension of bus services and shutdown of bus stands.

Continuing, he said that in the pre-lockdown period, the Division operated 670 buses daily to various destinations within the State and neighbouring States. But now, only 250 buses are in operation and the passenger response too is not satisfactory. He further said that shops functioning from bus stand complexes have been asked to pay rent with effect from May 19, the date on which bus services resumed two months after suspension.

Ashok Kumar also said that the response to long distance destinations within the State is not on expected lines. The Division may earn more revenue if Government allows operation of Inter-State and Air-conditioned bus services, he added.