According to reports, the bus departed from Kalaburagi at around 7:30 p.m. Shortly after the journey began, both headlights reportedly failed, leaving the driver with extremely limited visibility. To keep the bus moving, the conductor stood near the windshield and continuously used the flashlight from his mobile phone to illuminate the road ahead while the driver completed the remaining journey to Chincholi.
The video of the incident quickly spread across social media, showing the conductor directing the mobile flashlight through the windshield while anxious passengers remained inside the bus. The footage triggered widespread concern, as passengers questioned how a government-operated bus with non-functional headlights was allowed to continue carrying commuters during nighttime.
Passengers blamed the Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC) for the poor condition of the bus and raised concerns over the maintenance of government vehicles. The incident has also intensified questions about passenger safety and the inspection standards followed before buses are deployed for service.
According to official statements, KKRTC Managing Director P. Sushila said the bus had been experiencing headlight problems for the previous two days. Following the incident, the driver and the charge man were suspended for operating the bus despite the defect. The mechanic responsible for the repairs, who was still a trainee, was also removed from duty for negligence.
Reports further stated that the defective bus was replaced with another vehicle in proper operating condition. The Managing Director also said instructions had been issued to all depot in-charge officials to inspect the condition of older buses and ensure that necessary repair work is carried out wherever required.
The viral video also generated strong reactions on social media. Many users argued that ordinary taxpayers, particularly middle-class citizens who contribute a significant portion of their income through taxes, deserve safer and better-maintained public transport services. One user commented that the incident reflected the impact of free bus schemes and questioned how one of India's leading government bus transport corporations had reached such a condition.
The incident has become a major talking point, highlighting the importance of strict vehicle maintenance, accountability within public transport agencies, and the need to ensure that passenger safety is never compromised, especially during night operations.
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