Tobacco ads banned on public buses: Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy orders immediate removal

After public outrage and media reports, the transport department has barred tobacco product advertisements on buses and bus stations across Karnataka.

In a significant move aimed at public health protection, Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has issued a clear directive banning the promotion of tobacco products on public buses and at bus stations across the state.

As per the order, no form of tobacco product advertising will be allowed on government-run buses or within bus terminal premises. This includes visual promotions, posters, stickers, or any branding related to tobacco products. The minister has also instructed officials to immediately remove all such advertisements that are already in place.

The decision comes amid widespread criticism against the transport department for allowing advertisements of tobacco products such as Vimal, RMD, and Chini Chini on buses operated by BMTC and KSRTC. These advertisements had drawn strong objections from citizens and health activists, who argued that public transport should not be used to promote harmful substances.

In several parts of Bengaluru and other cities, angry members of the public were seen tearing down advertisement posters from buses and openly expressing their protest. The issue had snowballed into a larger debate, with many questioning how such promotions were permitted on state-run public transport systems.

News First had also highlighted the matter through detailed reporting, bringing attention to the growing public dissatisfaction and the potential violation of tobacco control norms.

Following this backlash and media coverage, the transport minister stepped in and issued firm instructions to end such practices. Officials have now been directed to ensure strict compliance with the order across both urban and rural transport networks.

The ban applies uniformly to all public buses and bus stations across Karnataka, marking a clear shift in policy and signaling zero tolerance towards tobacco promotion in public spaces.