Public transport is meant to be safe, reliable and affordable. The current state of the buses run by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) in Karnataka has raised serious concerns. What is marketed as “Brand Karnataka” is now being referred to as “Breakdown Karnataka,” with passengers being forced to travel in vehicles that are so neglected that you can’t even call them ‘Brand Karnataka.’
Recent reports of shocking maintenance failures are indicative of this. The accelerator was held in place with a strip of cloth tied inside the cabin in one bus. The driver’s seat was not only embarrassing but crudely attached with wires instead of being repaired or replaced. These are not minor defects, they're evidence of negligence. Every single day, passengers and drivers are put at risk in such conditions.
At least the tyre area of the bus had liquid leaking from it. This would likely mean a mechanical problem of brake fluid or oil leaking. If left unchecked, such problems can lead to accidents. For daily commuters who depend on KSRTC buses, this is not just an inconvenience but also a direct threat to their safety.
If something bad happens, who is responsible? The driver who has to drive such poorly maintained vehicles can’t be blamed for it. The responsibility falls to the authorities and the government who have failed to put safety standards in place. Public transport is a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of people, so neglecting its upkeep is not acceptable.
But it is not just about one bus. It is indicative of a general problem of bad maintenance across the fleet. Students, workers and families all depend on KSRTC buses. Safety is at stake for the whole community. Immediate action is needed to prevent a tragedy that could have been avoided with proper inspections and repairs.
The state of KSRTC buses is shocking and shows that public transport is in crisis in Karnataka. So instead of being a signifier of “Brand Karnataka,” these buses are an emblem of neglect. This is a time for inspections, accountability and urgent repairs. Citizens deserve safe and reliable transport, not vehicles held together with cloth and wires. But until authorities act, passengers will continue to risk their lives, and the promise of “Brand Karnataka” will remain an empty slogan.
