Sun Jul 13 15:40:30 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the provided text and a news article based on it:

**Summary:**

Karnataka’s Transport and Muzrai Minister, Ramalinga Reddy, urged the Union government to allow State Road Transport Corporations (SRTCs) to recruit drivers for the upcoming fleet of 100 electric buses per city being provided to six cities in Karnataka, including Mangaluru. Reddy made this request during the inauguration of an automated driving test track in Phajir, near Mangaluru. While welcoming the electric bus initiative aimed at reducing pollution, he highlighted the current arrangement where manufacturers maintain the buses and provide drivers, while SRTCs only contribute conductors and depot space. He argued that allowing SRTCs to recruit drivers and providing GST concessions would lead to more efficient operation. MP Brijesh Chowta stressed the need for the State government to quickly allocate land for depots and requested more inter-state bus routes, particularly between Mangaluru and Kasaragod.

**News Article:**

**Karnataka Minister Appeals to Centre for SRTC Driver Recruitment in Electric Bus Initiative**

**MANGALURU, July 13, 2025** – Karnataka’s Transport and Muzrai Minister, Ramalinga Reddy, has called on the Union government to grant State Road Transport Corporations (SRTCs) the authority to recruit drivers for the new fleet of electric buses slated for deployment across six cities in Karnataka. He announced the news at the inauguration of the automated driving test track in Phajir, near Mangaluru.

The Union government plans to provide 100 electric buses to each of the cities of Mangaluru, Belagavi, Hubballi-Dharwad, Kalaburagi, Mysuru, and Shivamogga. The electric buses are part of a larger initiative to reduce pollution.

Speaking at the event, Minister Reddy expressed his appreciation for the initiative but raised concerns about the current operational model. Under the present arrangement, bus manufacturers are responsible for maintaining the buses and providing drivers, while SRTCs are only required to provide conductors and depot space.

“For the efficient operation of electric buses, it would be beneficial to directly allocate these buses to SRTCs, enabling them to recruit their drivers,” Reddy stated. He also requested GST concessions for the State corporations. “We have written to the Centre. Except for the demand to allow us to recruit our drivers, the Centre has favourably responded to our demands.”

Dakshina Kannada MP Brijesh Chowta echoed the Minister’s concerns, urging the State government to expedite the allocation of land for electric bus depots. He also requested an increase in inter-State bus routes from Mangaluru, specifically to Kasaragod.

U.T. Khader, Speaker and Mangaluru MLA, also spoke at the event. The introduction of electric buses is expected to significantly improve commuting options in the city.

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