<p class="title">A proposal to construct a KSRTC depot in Sringeri taluk is pending for the last several years. </p>.<p class="bodytext">People in the Malnad area have been demanding a KSRTC depot for Sringeri taluk from a long time. About five acres of land was sanctioned on Survey Number 416 at Masige in Menase Gram Panchayat jurisdiction in Kasaba hobli in 2016-17. Also, a sum of Rs 5 crore was sanctioned for the work in 2019-20. However, it is learnt that the authorities are dilly-dallying about starting the bus depot construction work.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Menase Gram Panchayat former vice president Shivashankar said, “Due to the efforts of the people and the elected representatives, a KSRTC depot was sanctioned to Sringeri taluk. Now, its construction work is pending. The people are strongly suspecting the lobby of private bus operators and lack of will power.”</p>.<p class="bodytext">A large number of devotees visit Sringeri throughout the year. If a bus depot is constructed, the number of buses operating from Sringeri will increase and the people can expect frequent bus services to nook and corners of the Malnad area. </p>.<p class="bodytext">KSRTC Section engineer Aravind said, “I have inspected the land. It is a sloppy terrain. The soil test needs to be carried out to go ahead with the work.” </p>.<p class="bodytext">Chikkamagaluru KSRTC Divisional Controller Devaraj said, “The estimated cost of the bus depot construction is 12 crore. In the first phase, Rs 5 crore has been sanctioned. The estimate has been prepared and has been sent to the KSRTC headquarters for approval.” </p>.<p class="bodytext">“The work on the bus depot is at the tender stage. If the tender is finalised by February-March, then work can be started in April.” </p>
<p class="title">A proposal to construct a KSRTC depot in Sringeri taluk is pending for the last several years. </p>.<p class="bodytext">People in the Malnad area have been demanding a KSRTC depot for Sringeri taluk from a long time. About five acres of land was sanctioned on Survey Number 416 at Masige in Menase Gram Panchayat jurisdiction in Kasaba hobli in 2016-17. Also, a sum of Rs 5 crore was sanctioned for the work in 2019-20. However, it is learnt that the authorities are dilly-dallying about starting the bus depot construction work.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Menase Gram Panchayat former vice president Shivashankar said, “Due to the efforts of the people and the elected representatives, a KSRTC depot was sanctioned to Sringeri taluk. Now, its construction work is pending. The people are strongly suspecting the lobby of private bus operators and lack of will power.”</p>.<p class="bodytext">A large number of devotees visit Sringeri throughout the year. If a bus depot is constructed, the number of buses operating from Sringeri will increase and the people can expect frequent bus services to nook and corners of the Malnad area. </p>.<p class="bodytext">KSRTC Section engineer Aravind said, “I have inspected the land. It is a sloppy terrain. The soil test needs to be carried out to go ahead with the work.” </p>.<p class="bodytext">Chikkamagaluru KSRTC Divisional Controller Devaraj said, “The estimated cost of the bus depot construction is 12 crore. In the first phase, Rs 5 crore has been sanctioned. The estimate has been prepared and has been sent to the KSRTC headquarters for approval.” </p>.<p class="bodytext">“The work on the bus depot is at the tender stage. If the tender is finalised by February-March, then work can be started in April.” </p>
