Stranded between river and sea: Bengre’s unmet need for KSRTC bus services

coastaldigest.com news network
July 30, 2025

Mangaluru, July 29: The picturesque region of Bengre, nestled between the river and the sea in Kasaba of Mangaluru taluk, continues to face major transportation challenges. Despite a direct road link to Kuloor connecting it to the national highway, residents largely depend on ferry services to commute to Mangaluru city and beyond.

At present, only one private bus offers limited connectivity between Bengre and Bajpe, with a handful of morning and evening trips. This sparse service has forced the community to demand a robust and reliable public transportation alternative.

Taking matters into their own hands, members of the CPI(M) Bengre area committee submitted a memorandum to Rajesh Shetty, senior divisional controller of the KSRTC, Mangaluru division. The appeal seeks expanded government bus services to address the growing needs of the people.

“The residents of Thota Bengre, Kasaba Bengre, and Tannirbhavi are being underserved. A lone private bus is far from sufficient, especially with increasing footfall from tourists, workers, and fishermen,” noted CPI(M) Mangaluru City South committee member Tayyib Bengre.

He emphasized the urgency for a dedicated government bus route starting from Thota Bengre and passing through Kasaba Bengre, Tannirbhavi, Kuloor, Kottara, Lal Bagh Kottara, MCC, and ending at key locations such as the DC’s office and major railway stations.

The memorandum also called for inclusive policies—requesting free travel for women and female students to promote accessible education and employment opportunities.

With its scenic backdrop and growing population, Bengre is no longer a remote outpost—it’s a community waiting for the wheels of development to finally turn its way.

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News Network
November 28,2025

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Mangaluru, Nov 28: Karnataka Health Minister and Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Friday handed over Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the severe distress faced by farmers due to crashing crop prices.

PM Modi arrived at the Mangaluru International Airport en route to Udupi, where Gundu Rao welcomed him and submitted the letter. The chief minister’s message stressed that farmers are suffering heavy losses because maize and green gram are being bought far below the Minimum Support Price (MSP). The state urged the Centre to immediately begin procurement at MSP.

According to the letter, Karnataka has a bumper harvest this year—over 54.74 lakh metric tons of maize and 1.98 lakh metric tons of green gram—yet farmers are unable to secure fair prices. Against the MSP of ₹2,400/MT for maize and ₹8,768/MT for green gram, market rates have plunged to ₹1,600–₹1,800 and ₹5,400 respectively.

The chief minister has requested the Centre to:

• Direct NAFED, FCI and NCCF to start MSP procurement immediately.
• Ensure ethanol units purchase maize directly from farmers or FPOs.
• Increase Karnataka’s ethanol allocation, citing high production capacity.
• Stop maize imports, which have depressed domestic prices.
• Relax quality norms for green gram, allowing up to 10% discoloration due to rains.

The letter stresses that MSP is crucial for farmer dignity and income stability and calls for swift central intervention to prevent a deepening crisis.

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News Network
November 30,2025

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Mangaluru, Nov 30: A 22-year-old college student succumbed to her injuries at a private hospital in Mangaluru today, days after she was hit by a goods tempo while crossing a road in Padubidri.

The deceased has been identified as Preksha, a resident of Nadsalu Billitota in Padubidri. The fatal incident occurred as Preksha, who was returning home after completing her examination, attempted to cross the service road towards Mangaluru. She was struck by a goods tempo approaching from the Udupi side, causing her to fall and sustain a severe head injury.

Prompt action from local residents ensured she received immediate first aid before being rushed to a hospital in Mangaluru for specialised treatment. Despite medical efforts, she passed away while undergoing care.

Preksha was a student at Karavali College, Vamanjoor on the outskirts of Mangaluru city. The tragedy is compounded by the fact that she belonged to a financially vulnerable family, having previously lost her father. She is survived by her mother and brother.

A case related to the accident has been registered at the Padubidri police station, and an investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances that led to the collision. The incident highlights the growing concerns over road safety, particularly on busy service roads, and serves as a tragic reminder of the human cost of traffic accidents.

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News Network
November 22,2025

Mangaluru: Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy C H has warned of strict action against individuals spreading rumours and attempting to create insecurity within the Muslim community and fuel hatred between Hindus and Muslims through social media.

Referring to a recent social media post alleging that police personnel had entered a masjid premises to check whether beef was being cooked, the commissioner said miscreants were attempting to push their communal agenda. 

“A group of people, both from Mangaluru and abroad, are trying hard to spread rumours. For the past 10 days, they have been attempting to rake up old issues, highlight routine matters as controversies, or fabricate news altogether,” he said.

He reiterated that any such attempts to disturb communal harmony would invite legal action. “Cases will be registered and the accused will be brought to book,” he stated.

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