KSRTC orders removal of tobacco ads after massive public protest

Bengaluru: In a significant decision aimed at protecting public health, the Karnataka government has ordered the immediate removal of tobacco advertisements from KSRTC and BMTC buses. The move comes after strong public protests and widespread criticism over the promotion of harmful tobacco products on state-run transport vehicles.

For weeks, citizens’ groups, health activists and commuters had raised objections against the display of tobacco posters on government buses. Many argued that such advertisements sent a wrong message, especially to young people, and contradicted anti-tobacco awareness campaigns run by the government itself.

The anger reached its peak when protestors in several parts of Bengaluru and other cities began tearing down tobacco posters from buses. Social media was flooded with images and videos condemning the advertisements, forcing the authorities to take swift action.

Responding to the growing outrage, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy directed KSRTC Managing Director to ensure that all tobacco-related advertisements are removed at the earliest. An official order has now been issued to clear such posters from nearly 2,000 buses across Karnataka within the next 15 days.

Officials said that KSRTC has already contacted the private companies that had placed the advertisements. The firms have reportedly agreed to cooperate and remove the posters without any legal complications. Depot managers have been instructed to supervise the removal process on a priority basis.

Although KSRTC earns around Rs 60 crore every year from commercial advertisements, the government has decided to sacrifice this revenue to safeguard public health. “Social responsibility is more important than income when it comes to protecting people from harmful addictions,” a senior transport department official said.

Public health experts have appreciated the decision, pointing out that tobacco usage remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in India. They said allowing such promotions on government buses was completely inappropriate and unethical.

Citizen groups that led the protest have also welcomed the move. They said it proves that collective public action can bring about meaningful change. Many demanded that the government introduce strict guidelines to prevent similar advertisements in the future.

With this step, KSRTC has acknowledged public sentiment and acted in favour of social welfare. The removal of tobacco advertisements is being seen as an important victory for health awareness and responsible governance in Karnataka.