Bhatkal: The construction of the new high-tech bus terminal located in the heart of Bhatkal city is almost ready and awaits for the announcement of the inauguration date. In this regard, Sirsi Transport Commissioner Vivekanand Hegde said that they were waiting for the end of election code of conduct. The inauguration date will be decided after consulting with the District In-Charge Minister and the MLC.
In view of the dilapidated condition of the existing bus stand and inadequate facilities, it was planned to convert the adjoining bus depot into a modern high-tech bus stand. In the year 2017-18, a fund of Rs. 5 crores were sanctioned for this project and the foundation stone was laid by the then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. 'Proud India Contractor Company' of Belgaum had won the tender for its construction. Apart from some technical issues, construction was hampered due to Corona lockdown. However, the construction work has now completed and the bus stand is ready to start services with all facilities.
Bhatkal's oldest bus stand used to be in front of the Town Municipality office where it has become a rickshaw stand now. Due to the congestion, the then Minister SM Yahya had in the past approved a plan for a new bus stand on the National Highway. It was a modern bus stand at that time. The bus service with better facilities has been provided to people for many years. But as time passed, gradually its structure weakened and the whole building collapsed around 3 years back. This left no facility for passengers to wait for the bus, to avoid the sun and rain, etc.
Studying the situation, the then Bhatkal MLA Mankal Vaidya had an brought approval for a new bus stand with project costing Rs. 5 crores. The bus depot was shifted to Sagar Road and construction of a new bus stand was started at this place. This modern and hi-tech bus stand has all the basic facilities for passengers. The area of the new bus stand can accommodate 12 buses at a time. Separate waiting rooms for men and women have been set up on the ground floor. There are a total of 12 rooms with shops including ticket booking room, control room, etc. A high-tech canteen is also set to serve the passengers, in which apart from a large hall, separate family cabins have also been formed.
On the first floor of the building are two large halls and shops, where mall type shops can be set up. It is learned that many shops have been rented out through e-tender, and some shops are still vacant.
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