Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jun 19: Foundation stone was laid for the work on the new KSRTC bus stand at Bannanje here in 2018. The bus stand was to be built in two years but because of Covid, works have been delayed.

The work is going on by following Covid-19 guidelines. As much as 70 percent of the building work has been completed. Officials say that the work on the bus stand is nearing completion and that it will be ready by October this year.

Currently, 400 to 500 buses operate from the KSRTC bus stand in the heart of the city. Buses from here move to various districts and different destinations from here including Bengaluru, Mysuru, Belagavi and Vijayapura. The current bus stand suffers from space constraints where shortage of space for bus parking, resting of passengers and parking is felt.

Many tourists, students, employees and workers are dependent on the main bus stand of the district, but the current bus stand suffers from lack of various facilities. Therefore, on a 2.5 acre land in front of Narayana Guru auditorium at Bannanje, the foundation stone was laid to construct a bus stand costing Rs 31.34 crore. Because of Covid lockdown, labour problem, delay in supply of construction materials etc, the work was delayed;

In this 30,000 square feet four storied building, there was a plan to open a multiplex cine theatre but this idea has been dropped. The ground floor has space for over 50 cars to park. In the upper storey, 18 buses and 100 two-wheelers can be parked together. Offices and commercial stalls are located in the remaining stories. Restrooms are being provided separately for the men and the women.

Arun S N, divisional controller, KSRTC, Mangaluru, says that KSRTC bus stand Udupi construction is in final stages. He said that the idea of having a huge multiplex theatre has been shelved.