Mangalore University to document contributions of coastal private bus sector towards growth of the region

Mangalore University is set to document the contributions of over-a-century old coastal private bus sector for the overall development of coastal region, by setting up a study chair.

Mangalore University is set to document the contributions of over-a-century old coastal private bus sector for the overall development of coastal region, by setting up a study chair.

After holding rounds of meetings with private bus operators, the university has begun the move to set up the chair and prepare the document through research and data.

Vice-Chancellor of the university P. L. Dharma told The Hindu that with 110-year history, private bus services particularly in the undivided Dakshina Kannada (comprising the present Udupi district) have emerged as “Mangaluru model”. Their contributions to the growth of mobility and economy in the coastal region are immense.

The first private bus service was launched in Dakshina Kannada in 1914 from Mangaluru to Bantwal by Manjunatha Travels.

Mr. Dharma, who took charge four months ago, said that private bus services in addition to offering direct employment to many, have created indirect jobs. They offered business to automobile workshops, tyre puncture shops, electricians, painters, spare parts shops and the like. Their contributions to the growth of tourism can not be ignored.

Stating that the private bus operators offered the services like a “parallel state”, the Vice-Chancellor said that there is a need to introduce this “Mangaluru model” across the country. “Once documented, its copies will be sent to the State, Union, and other State government authorities to take a cue from the Mangaluru model,” Mr. Dharma said.

Referring to how private buses offered connectivity to remote areas the Vice-Chancellor said that Perande near Konaje had about 10 houses. Some private buses operated from Mangaluru till Perande though operating buses for an area having about 10 houses is not economically viable. There is another such remote location near Bajpe to where private buses offered their services.