Udupi: For the first time since the COVID-19 lockdown in Karnataka, KSRTC and a few private buses started services in select routes in Udupi district Wednesday following the decision taken by the district administration.
KSRTC operated buses to Kundapur, Hebri and Hejamady and Karkala, though with a small number of passengers. Six buses belonging to a private operator also began to ply between Udupi and Kundapur.
Udupi is the first district in the state to run buses since the COVID-19 lockdown. The district has not reported any coronavirus case for more than a month and is placed in the green zone.
With the Centre relaxing the lockdown rules and allowing public transport in green zones, district deputy commissioner G Jagadeesha had on Tuesday announced the decision to allow KSRTC and private bus services, complying with the health protocol.
The buses are operating with 50 per cent capacity to maintain social distancing and people are asked to compulsorily wear masks.

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Vijayanagara: One man was killed and 12 others were injured after a truck hit vehicle they were traveling in on the National Highway 50 stretch on the outskirts of Koodligi in the district.
The accident victim, Madhu (27), is learned to have been an employee of Reliance Digital from Andhra Pradesh.
The vehicle was reportedly traveling from Bengaluru to Koodligi and the passengers are learned to have been seriously injured following the collision with the truck, which was found to have a Maharashtra registration.
Koodligi Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Mallesh Dodmani and Circle Inspector Prahlad Channagiri arrived at the accident spot on being informed of the accident.
The police officers and locals rescued the injured passengers and got them shifted to the Koodligi Government Hospital. Some of the passengers were reportedly taken to the Ballari Trauma Care Centre for further treatment.
A case has been registered at the Koodligi Police Station and the officers are investigating the incident.
