Belagavi's much-anticipated modern city bus terminus, a flagship project under the Smart City initiative, has finally commenced full operations, overcoming a delay of over a month following its grand inauguration. The facility, which aims to streamline urban transport and reduce congestion, was officially opened for bus services on Saturday.
Inauguration and Initial Hurdles
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated the state-of-the-art bus station on October 4. However, despite the fanfare, the terminus remained non-operational for weeks. The delay was attributed to procedural and technical issues during the handover process to the North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC). Officials from NWKRTC and Smart City authorities held meetings to resolve these hurdles, which have now been successfully cleared, allowing the terminus to function fully.
Features and Infrastructure of the New Hub
Constructed at a cost of Rs 49.8 crore, the new bus station is spread over a total area of 2 acres and 19 guntas (approximately 8,383 square metres), strategically located opposite the Bel Central Bus station. It is designed as a modern transport hub to cater to the needs of the growing city.
The terminus boasts 28 bus bays and is considered one of the state's high-tech bus stations. Key features include:
- A direct pedestrian passage connecting it to the central bus station for passenger convenience.
- Vehicle parking facilities on the ground floor.
- A commercial mall and dedicated passenger amenities spread across three upper floors.
- The NWKRTC's divisional office will operate from the fourth floor.
Impact and Official Statements
NWKRTC officials emphasize that separating Belagavi's city transport traffic from the intercity operations at the central bus station will significantly help in reducing congestion. KL Gudannavar, the divisional controller, stated that the bus station has been opened with all modern facilities and urged citizens to pay attention to maintaining cleanliness.
Echoing the sentiment for civic responsibility, a passenger named Nirmala appealed to fellow commuters, particularly those consuming gutka and tobacco, to refrain from littering and to keep the new facility clean.
The operationalization of this terminus marks a significant step in upgrading Belagavi's public transport infrastructure under the Smart City mission, promising a more organized and efficient travel experience for daily commuters.
