JOIN USThe Gudibande KSRTC bus station built after massive demands from the residents, has fallen into disuse in spite of having standard facilities. The reason being a fewer number of passengers who take buses from the main bus station.
The bus station built a few years ago, has failed to attract commuters or bus drivers since the time it was constructed. Government and private buses do not halt at the station for a long time now in spite of having a spacious parking facility. Instead they stop opposite the taluk office in the town.
Ironically, the bus stop was built a few years ago after strong protests from the local people, who wanted a bus stop with good facilities and appropriate shelter.
As per the demands from the public, the KSRTC constructed the bus station in 2006 on a site belonging to the pre-university college.
The bus station was inaugurated in September 2009 by Transport Minister R Ashoka.
However, the commuters said the bus stop was barely used as it was located on the outskirts of the town. A passenger, Lakshminarayana, said “It is true that the bus station was constructed after strong demands by the public. But the location of the bus station is a major inconvenience to the public as it is located on the outskirts of the town which is why it is underused. The stop outside the taluk office is the most convenient stop for the
passengers.”
However, the drivers and managers of the State Transport Association have a different version to the problem.
“The bus drivers go through a tough time making way through the main roads of the town during heavy traffic congestion. In order to avoid the choking traffic the bus station was constructed to convenience the passengers. But as the passengers do not come to the bus depot, we have to go to the main road to fetch the passengers,” the drivers said.
“The heavy traffic movement in the narrow roads of the town has resulted in insoluble traffic block during peak hours which can be reduced if the bus depot is put to use. In addition to this the entry of Multi Utility vehicles and private buses aggravate the problem. Separate stations should be set up for them as well which would benefit the commuters,” Narayanaswamy, KSRTC Divisional Controller said.