Covid delays bus terminals at Kalasipalya, BTM Layout

BENGALURU: The wait for new BMTC bus terminals at

BTM Layout

and

Kalasipalya

is set to get longer, thanks to Covid-19. Both stations were supposed to be ready by December 2019.

According to BMTC officials, the BTM Layout bus station is ready but is yet to be functional because of the pandemic. On the other hand, work on Kalasipalya terminal will be over only by January 2021. "It was delayed due to the pandemic since the KR Market area was sealed till July 2020," said a senior BMTC official.

However, officials said most bus stations on Bengaluru's outskirts are functioning. "While stations at Hoskote and Singapura have been operational for more than two years, the one at Mallasandra is being used for six months," the official said.

BMTC is expected to generate revenue from rent and advertisements at these stations. However, demand has dipped due to reduction in passenger traffic. Asked about the status of new depots in the city, an official said: "The Nagadasanahalli depot has been completed and the one at Devanahalli will be ready by the first week of September. For

Kavalahosahalli

depot, the

land dispute

with revenue department is yet to be resolved."

Sources say the proposed modern bus terminal at Kalasipalya is long awaited. In 2016, BMTC began work on the Rs 63.5 crore terminal spread over 4.1 acres in the congested area. However, it missed several deadlines. The station will be able to accommodate 18 BMTC buses, 10 KSRTC buses and eight inter-state government buses at a time. An autorickshaw stand is also likely to be set up.

Lack of basic facilities like clean toilets, waiting area, parking area and bays or platforms to board buses has been causing severe inconvenience to passengers. The rainy season only makes matters worse. Though a subway linking the bus terminal and KR Market Metro station has been proposed, it remains on paper.

Meanwhile, the station at BTM Layout is coming up on a 2-acre land and is a pet project of former transport minister and BTM Layout MLA Ramalinga Reddy. "The area sees heavy traffic from Outer Ring Road and Hosur Road. Buses and private vehicles will get adequate parking space at the terminal," said a BMTC official.

"We are facing severe fund crunch to set up new bus stations and depots. Most terminals in the city were constructed under JNNURM funds. Now, the Centre is not providing funds for the purpose," added the official.