In a heart-wrenching turn of events in Haveri district, Karnataka, a 14-year-old schoolgirl met with a tragic accident and suffered fatal head injuries after falling from a crowded bus while it was in motion. Responding swiftly to this devastating incident, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has taken immediate action by issuing comprehensive safety guidelines, urging its staff to prioritize the safety of passengers. The untimely demise of the young girl has resulted in widespread condemnation, leading the transport minister, Ramalinga Reddy, to direct KSRTC to implement necessary measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Tragic Incident Spurs Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) to Enhance Safety Measures Following Schoolgirl’s Fatal Bus Accident
In an effort to enhance passenger safety, KSRTC has circulated a set of guidelines emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety precautions. Bus crews have been explicitly instructed to prohibit passengers from occupying the footboard and to ensure that both front and rear doors are securely closed at all times. The circular further emphasizes that passengers should only be allowed to disembark once the bus has reached its designated bus stop, with all doors functioning optimally before each trip’s departure from the depots.
The tragic incident unfolded on Monday when Madhu Kumbar, a 14-year-old girl, tragically lost her life after falling from a packed bus operated by the North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC). Eyewitnesses reported that the girl was holding onto the railings while standing on the footboard before the unfortunate incident occurred during a turn made by the bus. This devastating event took place near Kusanur village in Hanagal taluk, Haveri district, while the young student was on her way to school.
Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy expressed his deep sorrow over the incident and promptly instructed the corporation to undertake all necessary measures to prevent such tragedies from recurring in the future. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka also voiced concerns regarding student safety and urged the state government to take immediate action. Former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai highlighted the inconveniences faced by people due to the cancellation of bus services, which has resulted in overcrowded buses where students are compelled to travel on footboards.
Bommai stressed the importance of buses adhering to their schedules on all routes, emphasizing that it is the responsibility of the Karnataka Road Transport Corporation to ensure the smooth operation of services. While acknowledging the government’s efforts to implement schemes to aid the public, including women, he expressed concerns that some routes have faced cancellations. Bommai urged the government to address these issues and ensure the seamless functioning of bus services to prioritize passenger safety.
In a bid to empower women, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched the ‘Shakti’ scheme on June 11, one of the five electoral promises made by the Congress government. The scheme provides free bus travel for women, thereby increasing the ridership of Karnataka’s four Road Transport Corporations (RTCs). Importantly, the initiative extends to all women, including girl students, without any discrimination based on caste or religion. The scheme also ensures inclusivity and accessibility for gender minorities, making it accessible to all.
Devastating Tragedy Ignites Urgency for Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) to Fortify Safety Measures After Schoolgirl’s Fatal Bus Accident
This complimentary travel service is applicable to city transport, ordinary buses, and express buses, covering a total of 18,609 buses operated by the four state-owned Road Transport Corporations, namely Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation, North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation, and Kalyan Karnataka Road Transport Corporation.
In the wake of this devastating incident, the focus on passenger safety has become paramount. It is crucial for all stakeholders, including transport authorities, to work cohesively in developing and enforcing stringent safety protocols. By prioritizing the well-being of
passengers, particularly vulnerable groups such as students, we can prevent future tragedies and foster an environment that values and protects human life.
The loss of a young life serves as a somber reminder of the need for continuous improvement and vigilance in the realm of public transportation safety. As authorities implement stricter regulations and guidelines, it is our collective responsibility to support and adhere to them, ensuring the safety and well-being of all commuters. Let us strive to transform this tragedy into a catalyst for positive change, making our transportation systems safer and more reliable for everyone in our communities.