MSRTC Suspends Karnataka Bus Services for Second Day Amid Tensions
Kolhapur, 24th February 2025: The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) continued its suspension of over 250 buses heading to Karnataka for the second consecutive day on Sunday. Officials indicated that services were unlikely to resume anytime soon.
The Maharashtra government decided to halt all Karnataka-bound buses following an attack on MSRTC staff by members of a Karnataka-based organization on Friday. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik stated, “Ensuring the safety of our drivers and conductors is our priority. Until we receive clarity from the Karnataka government regarding the incident, services will remain suspended.”
Meanwhile, tensions escalated at the Kolhapur Central Bus Stand, where Shiv Sena (UBT) workers staged a protest. Activists reportedly painted Karnataka buses black and hoisted saffron flags on them as a symbolic demonstration.
The unrest follows an incident in Karnataka’s Belagavi district, where a Karnataka state transport bus conductor was allegedly assaulted in Balenkundri (KH) village. The attack was reportedly linked to a language dispute involving Marathi-speaking individuals.
Authorities from both states are in discussions to resolve the issue and restore normalcy in transport services.
