Kalasipalya's sordid saga continues as TTMC remains distant dream

Disorder reigns at govt, pvt bus stands; facelift yet to start

The government’s proposal to construct a state-of-the-art Transport Transit Management Centre (TTMC) in Kalasipalya seems to be far fetched. Instead, the bus terminus is filled with slush, garbage and urine.

Seven years ago, the State government had mooted the idea of constructing a TTMC, where not only the BMTC buses and the KSRTC buses will terminals, but also private bus operators anchor. The land originally belonged to BBMP, but was exchanged with the Transport department, in particular the BMTC.

While the TTMC is still a distant dream, basic requirements such as shelters, pavements, proper roads and clean toilets are non-existent. The pavements are unstable and passengers have a hard time standing there, let alone walking. The remaining space is occupied by street dwellers who spend most of the time sleeping. People choose to urinate in the open due to toilets being in an unhygienic state. The place becomes a breeding ground for many insects and germs that cause diseases such as Typhoid and Cholera.

Heaps of garbage and sludge can be seen, especially in the private bus stand. Here, passengers have to wade through the dirt and muck to board a bus. When contacted Lakshminarayan, manager of a private bus company, said, “Nearly two years ago, half of the five-acre land was sold to the government. The authorities concerned used the space to accommodate government buses. They developed the acquired land and did not bother improving our space. It is taken care of, because it belongs to the government. We also pay taxes and have the right to ask the government to develop our land. Budget is prepared for the road and other works. If some money is sanctioned towards the development of the private bus stand, definitely we can see some improvement.”

The road leading to the terminus is filled with potholes causing difficulty for bus drivers to ride. During the rain, potholes are filled with water, worsening the things. The road becomes sludgy, making it difficult for commuters to walk across the platforms. Many vendors complain of the stench that fills the area.

Chethan, who frequently uses buses to commute between KR Market and Kamakshipalya, said, “The terminus needs to be made user friendly. Shelters and seating facilities must be constructed for travellers. More buses should be run so that passengers are spared the waiting trouble. Government and private bus stands must either be constructed at different locations or have a proper boundary wall between them.”