BELGAUM: The central bus station in belgaum will soon get a rs 30 crore makeover. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation
is all set to construct a new central bus stand-cum-city bus terminal –
under a single roof. If everything goes well, the work will commence in
another six months’ time.

“Since the present bus stand is
over-congested, we sought a loan from Karnataka Urban Infrastructure
Development Finance Corporation. We will utilize all the seven acres of
land to set up the new terminal. The central bus station workshop has
already been shifted to Autonagar. A detail project is getting ready and
it will be finalized in a month,” said Shankar, assistant executive
engineer, KSRTC, Hubli.

The current central bus station is plagued by several issues starting
from water-logging to sewage overflow to potholes. It is undoubtedly one
of the most badly managed bus stations in the state. Poor upkeep of
public toilets and waiting area gives passengers a harrowing time.

When it rains, there is no choice for commuters but to wade through the
filthy water to board a bus. Lack of adequate lighting and free
movement of anti-social elements in the night are also posing
difficulties to the commuters. “Bus stations invariably represent the
town. If the place is not kept tidy, it’ll put off those who are
visiting the town for the first time. The terminal should be maintained
as a model bus station,” said S Vasu, a passenger who had come from
Bhadravathi. Hegde, divisional controller of KSRTC, Belgaum,
who took charge recently, has assured to look into the issues and take
up minor repairs at the earliest.