Strict Action Against Gutka and Smoking in Government Buses Warns Karnataka Transport Department

The Karnataka Transport Department has announced stricter enforcement against passengers found consuming gutka, tobacco products, or smoking inside government buses. Officials warned that anyone violating the rules could face legal action, including possible imprisonment, as part of a statewide drive to improve passenger safety and maintain public health standards.

The directive has been issued for all four state run transport corporations. Acting on the instructions of the Transport Minister, the minister’s Private Secretary Dr B Devaraj asked concerned officials to ensure the rules are implemented without exception and to take firm action against offenders.

The renewed focus on enforcement follows a tragic accident involving a 17 year old ITI student from Shiruru village. The student was travelling in a North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation bus from Hubballi to Lakshmeshwar when he reportedly leaned out of the window to spit gutka. A speeding tipper truck struck him, resulting in a fatal accident that shocked the state.

Following the incident, Karnataka State Police Complaints Authority member Mohan Kumar Danappa wrote to the Transport Department recommending additional safety measures. He urged the department to install iron bars on bus windows across KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC buses to prevent passengers from extending their heads or hands outside moving vehicles.

The recommendations also call for a complete ban on cigarette and tobacco product advertisements inside buses and at bus stations. Authorities have been urged to strictly implement the provisions of the Karnataka Tobacco Products Amendment Act 2024 and the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act to curb tobacco use in public transport.

Officials said the campaign is aimed not only at enforcing the law but also at preventing avoidable accidents and ensuring a safer travel environment for all passengers.