A heart-wrenching incident unfolded in Haveri district, Karnataka, as a 14-year-old schoolgirl sustained fatal head injuries after falling from a crowded bus while it was in motion. Prompted by this tragic event, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has swiftly taken action by issuing comprehensive safety guidelines, urging its staff to prioritize passenger safety. The untimely demise of the young girl has led to widespread condemnation, prompting the transport minister, Ramalinga Reddy, to direct KSRTC to implement necessary measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Tragic Fatality Spurs Karnataka SRTC to Enforce Vital Safety Measures in the Wake of Schoolgirl’s Devastating Bus Accident
In an effort to enhance passenger safety, a circular has been issued by KSRTC, stressing the importance of adhering to 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. 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 prior to each trip’s departure from the depots.
Tragedy struck on Monday when Madhu Kumbar, a 14-year-old girl, tragically lost her life after falling from a packed North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) bus. Eyewitnesses reported that the girl was holding onto the railings while standing on the footboard before the unfortunate incident occurred as the bus made a turn. This devastating event unfolded near Kusanur village in Hanagal taluk, Haveri district, while the young student was en route 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, which is 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). Notably, the initiative extends to all women, including girl students, without any discrimination based on caste or religion. Gender minorities are also encompassed within the scheme, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all.
Heart-wrenching Tragedy Ignites Karnataka SRTC’s Urgent Safety Action After Schoolgirl’s Fatal Fall from Bus
This complimentary travel service is applicable to city transport, ordinary buses, and express buses, encompassing 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 imperative for all stakeholders, including transport authorities, to work cohesively to develop and enforce 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.