Truck terminal in Mysore; long-awaited demand fulfilled
It can host fleet of 150 lorries; Rs 12.48 crore spent on first phase
Finally the long pending demand of truckers in Mysore especially of inter-State and others has become a reality. 
Home and transport minister R Ashoka on Saturday dedicated the city’s first ever truck terminal near Bandipalya on Mysore- Nanjangud road.
Addressing the gathering, that comprised truckers too in large numbers, the minister said the ministry is mulling over seeking further allocation of Rs 50 crore to Rs 60 crore in the forthcoming budget, to replicate the facility across the State.
The minister claimed that, with the truck terminal, Mysore has the credit of being the city to have most of the facilities from transport department.
Recently, intelligent transport system (ITS) was launched in the city on a pilot basis. The system here enables bus passengers to know the real time arrival and departure of buses at select places.
Driving track
A driving track is in the offing with RTO taking up the project at third stage of Devanur. The department has sanctioned Rs nine crore for the track planned on 8.30 acres of land.
The track will benefit aspirants of driving licences who are forced to take test on the roads in the present scenario.
Apart from this, the department has plans to either construct or upgrade existing bus stations at K R Nagar, Hunsur, Sargur, H D Kote, Periyapatna and Nanjangud. Said Ashoka: “ Though many are dependent on transport sector it was neglected till he took over the reins. It’s a risky business, yet there are no dearth of people who jump into the realm.
Auto Nagar
Medical education and district in-charge minister S A Ramdas said the proposed Auto Nagar will also be a reality soon. In all 871 traders involved in automobile industry have agreed to be a part of the programme. It’s intended at bringing all under one roof- from garage to automobile spare parts, tinkering to servicing among others.
He also had an appeal to truckers to make use of the new facility, but to be aware of the fact that they also have a role to play in fighting AIDS the social malady.
Quoting the report of 2011, the minister said truckers- drivers and cleaners are HIV infected in large numbers.
Chairman of the truck terminal Satish Reddy also a MLA demanded the minister to earmark adequate funds in the forthcoming budget. He promised to complete the pending works at the terminal here in six months.
MLAs M Satyanarayan and S R Mahesh, MLC Siddaraju, G Shanmugappa and B Kodandram of lorry owners association, and managing director of the terminal K V Nanjunde Gowda were present.
Canteen,dormitory etc.,
The first phase of works of the terminal was completed at an estimated cost of Rs 12.48 crore on 9.50 acres of land. It offers facilities like- parking for a fleet of 150 lorries, petrol bunk, dormitory, canteen, service stations and a workshop.
To maintain the facility, parking fee of Rs 10 will be charged for an hour and Rs 80 for a day, said Truck terminal chairman Satish Reddy at a press meet preceding the dedication ceremony.
The second phase of works will be taken up on 6.70 acres of land at a cost of Rs 9.50 crore. Nearly 60 agents will be provided space to open their offices here, besides constructing hospital and developing garden, he said.
