Ramalinga Reddy talks transport, temple reforms, and future vision

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Known for his outspoken nature, Transport and Muzzarai Minister Ramalinga Reddy minces no words when it comes to handling his portfolios. Although he accepted the transport portfolio half-heartedly, he has introduced significant changes over the past two years. In a freewheeling interview with Shyam Sunder Vattam of City Hilights, Reddy shares his plans and progress.

Q: Are you satisfied with your portfolio, considering you were a bit unhappy when it was first allocated to you?

A: I have handled several portfolios in the past, including Home and Bengaluru City Development, and have proved my mettle. I am quite happy with my current portfolio and am working to bring revolutionary changes in the remaining three years. For me, the portfolio doesn't matter—what matters is giving 100 percent to my work.

Q: What improvements have you made in your portfolio over the last two years? Could you mention some?

A: We successfully implemented the Shakti scheme, which provides free travel for women on state-run buses. Lakhs of women have benefited, and the government has been reimbursing the costs regularly. We've also purchased a large number of new buses, including high-end models, to improve services in both urban and rural areas. To promote clean energy, we've introduced 1,700 electric buses.

Q: Is it not possible to replace the entire fleet of diesel-run buses with electric buses to save fuel and promote cleaner air?

A: We currently operate 1,700 electric buses, but it's not feasible to replace all diesel buses due to the high costs. Each electric bus costs over ₹1.5 crore, and there are additional expenses for batteries and spare parts. The public transport system is not for profit—it’s a public service. With the cost of one electric bus, we can purchase four diesel buses. We are also exploring alternatives like solar and hydrogen-run buses. A proposal to buy 4,000 electric buses has been sent to the World Bank at an interest rate of 2.5%. The state government has been requested to contribute funds for this as well.

Q: What happened to the proposal to operate double-decker buses in Bengaluru and other select cities?

A: Unfortunately, the proposal was shelved due to high operating costs. When tenders were invited, the quoted rate was ₹120 per km, which is exorbitant. Instead, we purchased mini buses and integrated them with metro routes.

Q: Has the state government cleared the dues for the Shakti scheme?

A: The government owes ₹2,000 crore to KSRTC under the Shakti scheme. Instead of a direct payment, the government has agreed to act as a guarantor for a loan of that amount. Additionally, ₹2,000 crore has been sanctioned for the purchase of new buses.

Q: There is a demand for imposing a dress code in temples. Will this be implemented in Karnataka?

A: A few private temples have introduced dress codes, but there is no plan to enforce this in Muzrai temples. We will only request devotees to dress decently so as not to hurt the sentiments of others.

Q: What steps has the government taken to reclaim encroached temple land?

A: So far, 15,000 acres of encroached land have been reclaimed and registered in the name of temples. Previous governments had managed to reclaim only about 3,500 acres. Our goal is to reclaim 20,000 acres within the next year.

Q: Is it true that temple revenue is being spent on the welfare of other religions?

A: That’s a baseless rumour spread by the BJP to create unrest. Each temple’s earnings are spent only on its own development. In fact, to support daily pujas, the government is providing ₹75,000 to each temple, aside from the regular honorarium to priests. Additionally, two members from each priest’s family are being sponsored for the Kashi Yatra. Many initiatives have been undertaken to improve Muzrai temples in the last two years.

Q: Why are only temples governed by the state and not mosques or churches?

A: This system was introduced by the British, who created the Muzrai department to ensure smooth functioning of temples. Earlier, temples were managed by individuals or families. Over time, family disputes over temple properties led to mismanagement and closures. To address this, the British established government oversight through the Muzrai department.