Karnataka’s Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has ordered an immediate ban on all direct and indirect tobacco product advertising on buses and at bus stands of the state’s four transport corporations, in a decisive move to protect public health and reduce visibility of harmful products in public spaces.

In a significant public health initiative, Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has issued a directive to prohibit all advertisements – whether direct or indirect – promoting the consumption of tobacco products on public buses and at bus stations across the state.

The order applies to all four major state transport corporations: the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC).

Addressing officials, Reddy said the ban was issued “in the interest of the public”, stressing that government-run vehicles and terminals should not display material that could normalise or promote tobacco use.

The ban covers traditional tobacco brand promotion as well as surrogate advertising – where products like pan masala or cardamom (elaichi) are used as proxies for tobacco brands to evade advertising rules.

Under the new order, transport authorities have been instructed to set specific deadlines for the removal of any existing tobacco-related ads already displayed on buses or at bus stands, and to issue strict compliance directions to ensure enforcement.

Public Outcry and Activism Trigger Policy Shift

The government’s decision follows mounting public criticism and citizen activism over tobacco-linked advertising visible on state buses over recent months.

Earlier this week, in parts of Bengaluru such as Majestic and KR Puram, activists were seen tearing down posters on buses that they said promoted harmful tobacco consumption.

A social media post showing a KSRTC bus with a smokeless tobacco product advertisement – which is popular among young people – spurred a citizen complaint and led KSRTC officials to remove the ad in April 2025, highlighting growing public resistance to such promotions on government assets.

The issue has drawn criticism from parents and commuters alike, with many arguing that buses used by school children and families should not carry ads that advertise or indirectly endorse tobacco.

In the case of NWKRTC, a viral video showing tobacco-linked banners on city buses triggered widespread calls for action, with parents of school-going children describing the ads as inappropriate and worrying.

Advertising Revenue vs Public Health Imperatives

State transport corporations have historically depended on advertising revenue as a supplementary source of income, and contracts with marketing agencies have included space on buses and at bus stations for posters and branding.

However, public health advocates and legal experts argue that allowing tobacco advertising – even indirectly – on government-owned vehicles and assets runs counter to national tobacco control laws, including the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, which prohibits tobacco advertising.

Activist groups such as the Consortium For Tobacco-Free Karnataka (CFTFK) have long criticised creative marketing that skirts tobacco advertising bans by promoting surrogate products like gutkha, pan masala or mouth fresheners with brand names identical to tobacco products.

These groups have repeatedly written to transport corporations urging the removal of such ads, emphasising both legal violations and the health risks posed by normalising tobacco-linked imagery in everyday public spaces.

Government Response and Implementation Challenges

Following the latest directive, managing directors of all four transport corporations have been told to ensure swift enforcement. Officials will be responsible for removing existing advertisements within a fixed timetable and checking that new contracts do not allow tobacco-related content.

Transport officials are likely to face practical challenges, including renegotiating contracts with advertising agencies and ensuring compliance across nearly 10,000 buses and hundreds of bus shelters statewide.

Supporters of the ban argue that while advertising revenue is useful, it should not come at the cost of public health or ethical contradictions in state messaging – especially given that buses and terminals serve millions of daily commuters, including children.

National Tobacco Control Context

India already has strong national legislation banning tobacco advertisement, sponsorship and promotion in all forms, but enforcement has often lagged, especially with indirect or surrogate techniques.

Public health experts say visible advertising – even subtle brand associations – can influence youth and non-smokers, making enforcement crucial for reducing tobacco uptake and consumption.

Karnataka’s latest move aligns with broader public health efforts, adding to recent discussions on higher taxes and tighter regulations on tobacco products nationally.

What This Means for the Public and Policy

For commuters, the ban promises a cleaner visual environment on public transport systems and signals a stronger state commitment against tobacco promotion.

Public health advocates view this as a precedent that could inspire similar bans in other states and on other government-run publicity spaces, from metro stations to public billboards.

At the same time, the commercial advertising industry may need to rethink strategies and revenue models as government policies tighten around health-related concerns.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

At The Logical Indian, we applaud Karnataka’s strong stance on saving public spaces from the commercial propagation of harmful substances.

This policy reflects a balance of social responsibility and ethical governance, recognising that public service assets are not just revenue generators but also cultural signifiers that influence societal norms.

By banning tobacco-related advertising on buses and at bus stops – often seen by millions daily – the state sends a clear message: community health and youth protection come first.

Rather than merely follow legal minimums, this directive embraces a proactive approach to discourage tobacco visibility and create healthier public environments.