Kasaragod students seek inclusion in Karnataka’s free bus pass scheme

Mangaluru: Thousands of students from neighbouring Kasaragod who travel daily to Mangaluru for education are seeking inclusion in the Karnataka govt’s newly announced free bus pass scheme.

Currently excluded from the Shakti scheme despite studying in Karnataka, border students say they should not be left out of the initiative. Reports suggest that chief minister DK Shivakumar could keep the scheme exclusive to students from Karnataka.

The development comes as the Kerala govt gears up to launch free bus travel for women in the state.

Glawin Dsouza, a BCom student from Permude, told TOI that he currently travels to his hometown once a week and resides in Mangaluru. He said if the scheme is extended, he will be able to travel daily to his native, 47km from here.

Franklin, a BCA student from Kayyar, said extending the scheme would help if bus timings are adjusted. Kerala RTC buses run to Mangaluru in the morning and Karnataka RTC buses to Kasaragod in the evening. Students cannot use both passes and must pay for Kerala RTC in the morning.

BCA student Arfath of Uppala said the extension would benefit all students. Dhanya, a II PUC student, expressed disappointment that the Shakti scheme was not extended to border students of Kerala, but said she is hopeful that the govt would consider them for free bus passes.

Felan, a I PUC student from Bayar, said it is difficult to travel by local bus as they have to change buses at Talapady. “If free bus passes are provided then we can travel by direct bus,” Felan said.

Students from the region depend on private buses or limited passenger train services. Two-way travel between the two cities by KSRTC costs around Rs 100.

Many institutions in Mangaluru, Puttur and Sullia have students from Kasaragod. The districts share strong ties, with Kasaragod relying on Dakshina Kannada for healthcare, education and business.

A KSRTC official said a directive regarding the scheme has yet to be received and that the number of students opting for bus passes from Kasaragod is low.