Bus strike: Govt permits maxi cabs, pvt buses to ply in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Jul 25: To minimise inconvenience caused to the public in the wake of the indefinite strike call given by the four State-run transport corporations, the Transport department has decided to issue temporary permits to maxi cabs and private buses permitting them to ferry passengers in Bengaluru from Sunday midnight.

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy told Deccan Herald on Sunday that officials of the Transport department held talks with maxi cab associations and owners of private buses on issuing temporary permits.

Explaining the alternative measures taken by the government, Reddy said the department will use 13,000 private buses from the old Mysuru region as they already have the stage carriage permits.

Besides, temporary permits will be issued to 3,000 private buses and 2,500 tourist buses. An official from the Transport department explained that out of the total 80,000 maxi cabs in the State, around 30,000 operate from Bengaluru alone.

The official said that parts of north Karnataka would be worst hit as there are no private bus facility in most of the districts. Plans are on to make alternative arrangements in the north Karnataka region also, the official said.

The minister said the government is ready to negotiate with the unions regarding the salary hike only if they withdraw the strike.

“We cannot negotiate with them if they demand for 35% hike in the salary. This would mean an additional expenditure of Rs 4,650 crore to the exchequer," he added.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's appeal to the state road transport corporation employees to call off the protest to give priority to public interest and give up strike' went futile on Sunday. The unions refused to withdraw the protest.

"Karnataka has been recognised for its public transport system in other states. This is the lifeline of commuters particularly students, poor and working class who cannot afford other modes of transport. There are a few including patients who need these facilities in case of emergency”, he said.

Promising to provide 10% hike in the salary of the

employees, the chief minister said: “We can give 10% hike based on the economic viability of different transport corporations. We can further discuss the other demands put forth

by the employees in a mutual way.”

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Air India Express brings back Mangaluru–Muscat direct flights from March 2026

News Network

December 15,2025

Mangaluru, Dec 15: Air India Express has announced that it will resume direct flight services between Mangaluru and Muscat from March 2026, restoring an important international air link for passengers from the coastal region.

Airport authorities said the service will operate twice a week—on Sundays and Tuesdays—from March 1. The initial flights are scheduled on March 3, 8 and 10, followed by March 15 and 17, with the same operating pattern to continue thereafter. The flight duration is approximately three hours and 25 minutes.

The Mangaluru–Muscat route was earlier operated under the 2025 summer schedule, with services beginning on July 14. At that time, Air India Express had operated four flights a week before suspending the service.

Officials said the summer schedule will come into effect from March 29, after which changes in flight timings and departure schedules from Mangaluru are expected. Passengers have been advised to check the latest schedules while planning their travel.

The resumption of direct flights to Muscat is expected to significantly benefit expatriates, business travellers and others, further strengthening Mangaluru’s air connectivity with the Gulf region.

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