15-day deadline given to remove tobacco ads from all public buses

Following Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy’s order, KSRTC directs officials to clear all tobacco advertisements from buses and bus stations and submit an action report by February 18.

The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has issued a firm directive to remove all tobacco-related advertisements displayed on public buses and at bus stations across the state within 15 days. The move follows a clear instruction issued by Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, signalling strict enforcement against tobacco promotion in public transport spaces.

According to official communication from KSRTC, all Divisional Controllers have been instructed to immediately identify and remove tobacco advertisements currently displayed on buses and within bus station premises. This includes hoardings, posters, wraps, panels, or any other form of visual promotion related to tobacco products.

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The deadline for complete removal has been fixed as February 15. KSRTC has made it clear that no existing tobacco advertisements should remain beyond this date. In addition, officials have been explicitly told that no new tobacco advertisements should be permitted on buses or at bus stations under any circumstances.

The directive also places accountability on divisional-level officials. KSRTC has instructed all divisions to submit a detailed compliance report by February 18, outlining the action taken to remove advertisements and confirming that no fresh ads have been installed.

This instruction comes a day after Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy ordered the removal of tobacco advertisements from public transport assets. Acting swiftly on the minister’s direction, KSRTC issued internal instructions to ensure uniform implementation across all divisions.

Officials said the order applies not only to buses currently in service but also to bus stations and terminals under KSRTC’s control. Any tobacco-related branding already installed must be dismantled without delay.