New bus stand: Some suggestions

Sir,

It is encouraging to see that KSRTC authorities have finally recognised the serious issues at the current sub-urban bus stand and have decided — albeit belatedly — to construct a new rural bus stand in Bannimantap, behind the KSRTC depot (New Bus Stand at Bannimantap in SOM dated Nov. 3). This is a positive step towards decongesting the overcrowded area, which lacks adequate parking for four-wheelers and two-wheelers, particularly for daily commuters.

During my recent visit on a weekday evening, the bus stand was packed with buses, leaving no room for them to approach the platform. As a result, passengers had to navigate dangerously between buses to board, posing a safety risk, especially for senior citizens and children.

Even high-end Airavat buses bound for distant destinations were unable to reach the platform due to space constraints, and their luggage compartments couldn’t be opened due to the congestion.

If this is the scenario on a regular day, one can imagine the chaos on holidays and festivals like Dasara, when hundreds of additional buses operate to accommodate passenger demand.

Given the new bus stand plans, the current bus stand could be reserved for buses travelling east (Bannur, T. Narasipur, and beyond) and south (toward Tamil Nadu and Kerala).

The new Bannimantap bus stand could be designated for buses heading north (Mandya, Bengaluru) and west (Hunsur, Kodagu and beyond). This would help reduce congestion without simply relocating the entire bus stand to Bannimantap, where similar issues might arise.

Additionally, a public address system should be installed at both bus stands to announce bus arrivals and departures.

During my visit, a Hyderabad-bound bus arrived almost 45 minutes late and no KSRTC staff were available to update passengers on its status. This left travellers anxious and waiting in uncertainty. A digital display system, like those at railway stations, would be extremely helpful.

I hope KSRTC authorities will consider these improvements at both the existing and the new bus stands to enhance passenger experience and safety.

PS: The Hyderabad-bound Airavat bus came very late to bus stand at 4.50 pm instead of 4 pm on Oct.25 and left at 5.15 pm instead of 4.15 pm of its scheduled departure.

– Dr. S. V. N. Vijayendra, Ex-Traffic Warden & former Member, City Traffic Advisory Committee, Mysuru, 6.11.2024

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