Dharwad Protest: Citizens Demand BRTS Lanes for Bikes and Cars

Dharwad: The twin cities police detained at least 60 protesters on Thursday after they attempted to drive their vehicles on the dedicated corridors of the Hubballi-Dharwad Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS). 

The protest was organized by Dharwad Dhwani, a city-based organization demanding that the dedicated BRTS lanes be opened for light vehicles such as cars and bikes, especially in areas where traffic congestion is severe. 

The demonstrators gathered at Jubilee Circle, raising slogans and urging authorities to allow other vehicles to use the BRTS corridors. However, when they forcefully attempted to drive their cars on the restricted lanes, blocking the movement of BRTS buses, the police intervened and took them into preventive custody. They were later released. 

The protesters claimed that despite submitting multiple appeals to the Transport Minister, Deputy Commissioner, BRTS Managing Director, and the Hubballi-Dharwad City Police Commissioner, no action had been taken regarding their demand for two-wheelers and cars to be permitted on the BRTS route. 

"If the authorities continue to ignore our demands, we will stage a protest in front of the residences of public representatives," they warned. 

According to the protesters, BRTS is responsible for nearly 90% of the city's traffic issues, severely disrupting public vehicle movement. They alleged that despite repeated protests, authorities have failed to address the problem. 

The protest briefly disrupted BRTS bus operations before normal services resumed.