By The News Observer Desk,
Karwar: The public transport system connecting Karwar and Ankola appears to be in deep trouble. What commuters are witnessing today is not just an occasional mechanical snag, but what many describe as years of neglect and indifference catching up all at once. Frustration is mounting, and residents say they are being forced to risk their lives on buses that should have long been retired.
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Passengers allege that rickety, worn-out buses are still being sent out on daily routes, despite their poor condition. “These buses belong in a scrapyard, not on the highway,” said a regular commuter. With complaints piling up, questions are being raised about how funds meant for maintenance are being used.
Many are also questioning the role of officials who have been stationed at local depots for years. Critics argue that oversight has grown weak and accountability weaker. There are murmurs about how buses that appear unfit for service continue to receive clearance, even as their condition visibly deteriorates.
On Tuesday, a bus travelling from Karwar to Siddar came to a sudden stop near Kinnar Boribag after its axle reportedly snapped in the middle of the road. The incident brought traffic to a standstill. Hundreds of motorists, along with schoolchildren, were left stranded under the scorching sun.
While no injuries were reported, commuters say such breakdowns are becoming alarmingly frequent—and each one carries the potential for a serious accident.
The situation at local bus stands is no better. Several buses are reportedly kept idling for long stretches because of weak batteries that fail to restart the engine once it is switched off. On Tuesday morning alone, four buses were left running continuously for nearly two hours.
Passengers say this is not only a waste of fuel but also a sign of poor maintenance. “If the engine is turned off, we may have to push the bus to get it started again,” one commuter remarked, highlighting the gravity of the issue.
Perhaps most alarming are claims that many buses in the region have non-functional hand brakes. Drivers are said to be placing stones under the wheels to prevent the vehicles from rolling. Just last week, a bus reportedly experienced brake and clutch failure at Naggekove Ghat, rolling backwards and causing panic among passengers. A major tragedy was averted only due to the driver’s presence of mind.
With elections often bringing promises of development and improved infrastructure, residents are now asking why their daily struggles are being overlooked. Why has the issue persisted for so long? Where is the oversight? And who is accountable if a major mishap occurs?
For many in Karwar and Ankola, the transport system feels as though it is on life support. Commuters insist that urgent intervention is needed—both from transport authorities and elected representatives—to restore safety and reliability.
If corrective steps are not taken soon, residents warn that protests may be the next course of action. Until then, every journey remains a gamble they say they should never have to take.
Reporting and videography by Saikiran Babrekar
