Mon Dec 29 16:15:06 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewrite as a news article:

Summary:

Mysuru residents are protesting the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation’s (KSRTC) decision to use older, potentially polluting buses previously used in Bengaluru. Residents claim the buses are poorly maintained, contribute to air pollution, and represent unfair treatment compared to Bengaluru’s newer, greener fleet. The KSRTC defends the practice, stating that the buses undergo thorough refurbishment before being redeployed and are rigorously inspected. KSRTC claims the program is award-winning innovation for sustainability. An RTI reply shows that 267 of these buses are currently in use state wide.

News Article:

Mysuru Residents Decry Old Bengaluru Buses, Cite Pollution and Neglect

Mysuru, December 29, 2025 – Commuters in Mysuru are voicing strong objections to the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation’s (KSRTC) deployment of older buses previously used by the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) on city routes. Residents allege the buses are poorly maintained, contributing significantly to air pollution, and represent a disparity in service compared to the newer, more environmentally friendly fleet available in Bengaluru.

“Many of these buses are visibly old, uncomfortable, and inadequately maintained,” said Amogh A., a Mysuru resident. “They emit thick smoke and some even still have the BMTC logo. This is unfair to the Mysuru residents.” He and other residents have cited tattered seats and the presence of older BS-III engines as evidence of neglect.

Sarthak K.M., another Mysuru resident, added, “It’s unfair that old buses are sent here. Mysuru is a developed city that needs new buses.”

An RTI query revealed that KSRTC is currently operating 267 former BMTC buses across the state. While acknowledging the use of these buses, KSRTC maintains that all vehicles undergo extensive refurbishment before being redeployed to smaller cities. A senior official stated that the refurbishment includes engine work, new seat covers, window panel replacements, and a complete revamp of the bus body. They also added the refurbished vehicles are rigorously inspected and receive fitness certificates from Regional Transport Offices before use.

Akram Pasha, Managing Director of KSRTC, addressed the concerns in Mysuru specifically, stating that only 25 such buses are currently in operation within the city. “These buses have undergone complete overhauling before being pressed into service,” Pasha stated. “There are no issues with their fitness or safety.” He assured residents that bus services were being regularly monitored. Pasha added that the refurbishment program has won awards for innovation and sustainability.

Despite KSRTC’s assurances, the residents of Mysuru remain skeptical, emphasizing that they will continue to demand for a reliable, environment-friendly public transport system that reflects the development of their city.

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