COVID-19: Karnataka state bus authorities make arrangements to stitch masks for employees

Bengaluru: Panic buying due to coronavirus outbreak has resulted in scarcity of masks. As the drivers and conductors are exposed to pollution and are vulnerable and prone to contracting the infection, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) authorities have decided to stitch and distribute the masks to employees across all divisions.

According to a KSRTC official, "On Friday, there was scarcity of masks, and thus KSRTC Chamarajanagar division initiated the idea to stitch masks by our own lady mechanics. In the last two days, around 500 masks are stitched, each one will cost Rs 3. We are offering these masks to employees free of cost. The MD appreciated the initiative and asked other divisions too replicate the same."

In every division, the KSRTC has a stiching machine to do the upholstery like bus seats,  curtains and more. The lady mechanics in each division workshop do the upholstery work. So, the department purchased clothes from outside and got the masks stitched here.