In a significant announcement concerning one of Karnataka's most revered pilgrimage sites, Transport and Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy declared the state government's intention to establish a dedicated authority to manage the Kollur Sri Mookambika Temple. The move will come into effect after the tenure of the present administrative committee concludes.
Announcement at Byndoor Bus Stand Inauguration
The minister made this revelation on Saturday while inaugurating the new Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus stand in Byndoor, Udupi district. He addressed the long-standing demand for a formal authority to oversee the temple's affairs. Minister Reddy clarified that while the demand is acknowledged, the current committee has been in place for only a year. Therefore, the necessary governmental steps to form the new authority will be initiated after the present committee's term ends.
Bus Stand Renamed and Fleet Expansion Plans
In a related development honoring the temple's cultural significance, the newly inaugurated bus stand in Byndoor will be renamed as the 'Mookambika Bus Stand.' This decision is seen as a gesture to strengthen the identity of the region with its famous spiritual destination.
Shifting focus to public transport infrastructure, Minister Reddy provided an update on the state's bus procurement plans. He stated that the tender process for acquiring 900 new buses has been successfully completed. Highlighting regional priorities, he assured that Udupi and Mangaluru divisions would receive preference in the allocation, with more vehicles slated to be introduced in these coastal districts to improve connectivity.
Dignitaries Present at the Event
The inauguration event saw the presence of several notable figures. Among them were MLC Manjunath Bhandary, Byndoor MLA Gururaj Gantihole, and Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, the chairman of the Udupi District Guarantee Scheme Implementation Authority. Rajesh Shetty, the senior divisional controller of KSRTC's Mangaluru division, was also in attendance, underscoring the importance of the new facility for the region's transport network.
The dual announcements—regarding both the spiritual and transport infrastructure—signal the government's focus on administrative streamlining and developmental improvements in the Udupi region. The proposed temple authority aims to bring structured governance to the shrine, while the enhanced bus services are expected to boost mobility for pilgrims and residents alike.
