MLA pushes bus service revamp in Shiggaon taluk

Haveri: MLA Yasir Khan Pathan visited the Shiggaon bus stand for an hour and addressed the issues faced by students and commuters from various villages waiting for buses. He directed transport officials to resolve the problems immediately on Monday.After inaugurating eight newly sanctioned buses for Shiggaon taluk, he instructed officials to restart the stalled drinking water unit at the bus stand. He said a proper transport system was needed to avoid overcrowded and unsafe travel, and urged authorities to ensure adequate connectivity to all villages.Highlighting rural needs, the MLA said every village in the taluk should have bus services. He insisted services should not be stopped due to a shortage of passengers and that buses must operate on schedule even if only one passenger is travelling. He stressed that passenger welfare was more important than departmental losses.He added that the implementation of women’s empowerment schemes has significantly increased passenger numbers, reducing the need to deploy new buses for long-distance routes. He said the focus should instead be on rural connectivity, timely services for school students, and addressing villages facing severe transport issues. He said some routes have been identified and efforts are underway to gradually resolve problems across the taluk.Pathan said a new depot will become operational in 15 days, with 15 new buses expected soon. A total of 23 buses have been allotted to Shiggaon taluk this year. He thanked the transport minister and directed officials to ensure that buses from Shiggaon–Savanur taluks to Hubballi start and terminate at the Old Hubballi bus stand for the convenience of students and passengers.