KSRTC-CMC conflict delays inauguration of bus stand

Blame game, permits for underground drains affecting future of bay

Despite spending crores of rupees for renovation, a conflict brewing between Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and Hassan City Municipal Council (CMC), has caused an undue delay in the inauguration of the old bus stand here.

Though a majority of the works have been completed, there are no signs of the building being opened for public in the near future.

The government bodies have been resorting to blame game as according to KSRTC sources, the authorities concerned had been writing to the CMC since 2012 seeking license for UGD and construction of complexes but had not received any reply.

KSRTC Divisional Controller Yashwant Kumar told DH that the works will be completed within a month but the CMC has not given permission for laying of underground drainage and other works. “More than 20 letters have been written in this regard in the last four years. The Deputy Commissioner himself has written a letter but there has been no reply so far,” he said. The Chief Engineer inspected the works a few days ago, he said.

Different versions

When contacted, CMC president H S Anil Kumar had a different version. He said, the CMC has issued necessary permission and there have been no objections raised from their end.

 “Once the terminal works are completed, the bus stand would be inaugurated,” he said.
MLA H S Prakash said that the entrance and exit points are unscientific.

“The buildings from Mahaveer Circle and Hemavathy statue have not been demolished. The issue has been brought to the notice of District in-charge Minister A Manju who has promised to send an engineer for spot inspection. The bus stand has been constructed on CMC land so the CMC can ask for a few modifications. If the authorities oblige, licenses would be soon issued. KSRTC’s is aiming at commercial gains,” he said.

Bus stand
The bus stand has been renovated at a cost of Rs 33 crore and is spacious enough to operate 650 buses every day. As many as 40 buses can operate at a time from this stand. Four malls and 24 commercial complexes can come up on the premises.

The basement has a capacity to park 40 cars and numerous two-wheelers. KSRTC officials said that only local buses would ply from the bus stand and the buses from other districts would not stop here for long.