Tobacco ads on buses to be removed within 15 days

BENGALURU: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has been instructed by its Managing Director to remove tobacco product advertisements from its buses following public outrage. The decision comes after people and organisations protested against the advertisements on buses, tearing down posters in several bus stations.

Do you support this?

In Vidyanagar, Karnataka, a KSRTC bus was covered with gutka advertisements. Youth stopped the bus and removed the adverts. pic.twitter.com/1NqCUSchEm

— Tathvam-asi (@tathvamasi6) January 17, 2026

The KSRTC managing director Akram Pasha has given a 15-day deadline to remove the ads from approximately 2,000 buses, including those of BMTC, KSRTC, NWKRTC and KKRTC. The authorities have also held talks with the advertising companies, which have agreed to remove the ads.

Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy had earlier directed the removal of the ads, prioritizing public health over revenue. The decision is expected to impact the Rs 60 crore annual revenue from these ads.

Karnataka youth tear down gutka advertisements from KSRTC public buses.

Excellent move such advertisements should not be displayed on public transport.#Karnataka pic.twitter.com/4OJPfJHyRK

— Milagro Movies (@MilagroMovies) January 25, 2026

Akram Pasha said, “We regularly use our properties for display of advertisements to raise revenue, but this time, there has been a controversy over display of tobacco products. After some organisations raised objections, the minister has issued certain directions to avoid advertisements of tobacco products”.

Explaining further, Pasha said, “We invite tenders and the highest bidder gets the rights to elicit and display ads on our vehicles. We explained to the tenderer about social responsibility and they have agreed to remove the advertisements. In future, such advertisements will not be displayed”.

The move has been welcomed by the public and organisations, who are hoping that the authorities will prioritise social responsibility over financial gains in the future.