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After 34 years down the wheels, including 22 years connected the Volvo fleet of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Joseph Machado of Udyavara-Udupi hanged up his keys connected May 30. He near with a spotless work record.
One among the archetypal batch of drivers chosen to thrust the Volvo people of buses erstwhile KSRTC introduced them successful 2002 successful Bengaluru, and subsequently successful Mangaluru, Mr. Machado drove varied classes of premium services during his tenure.
Ferrying thousands of passengers safely with a grin connected his face, Mr. Machado was accorded a lukewarm farewell by his fan-passengers and colleagues a time earlier his status erstwhile helium began to thrust the Mumbai-Mangaluru Airavat Club Class connected May 29.
Describing him arsenic friendly, smiling and caring, the fans rued that they would miss his institution successful their aboriginal journeys.
Joseph Machado of Udyavara successful Udupi was called the ‘cheerful face’ of KSRTC. He retired successful Mangaluru connected May 30, 2026. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
They said helium was ne'er precocious for a trip, ne'er took a rash turn, and ever has a grin connected his look for each passenger. From Mangaluru to Pune, Mumbai and Bengaluru and back, thousands of passengers enjoyed a harmless and pleasant travel due to the fact that of his dependable hands, and benignant heart.
Joined KSRTC successful 1992
Mr. Machado told The Hindu that helium joined the corp successful 1992. He was initially posted astatine the Kundapura depot. He began by driving the Kollur-Chennai Rajahamsa service. Later, the work was upgraded to an Airavat (Volvo) bus.
From 2008, helium was shifted to the Mangaluru depot. driving the Mangaluru-Chennai Airavat, Mangaluru-Mumbai Airavat and aboriginal the Mangaluru-Pune Ambari Utsav services.
His past work was driving the Mumbai-Mangaluru Airavat Club Class autobus connected May 29, Mr. Machado said. The corporation, during the 34 years of service, looked aft him well, including six months of paid permission successful 2018 erstwhile helium underwent unfastened bosom surgery. He recalled the love, affection and co-operation of his colleagues, including Mangaluru Senior Divisional Controller Rajesh Shetty.
Joseph Machado’s past work was driving the Mumbai-Mangaluru Airavat Club Class autobus connected May 29, 2026. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
He has 2 daughters. The elder 1 works arsenic a bundle technologist successful Dubai portion the younger 1 is pursuing a B. Sc. people successful Manipal, Mr. Machado said.
