Multi-storeyed bus-stop at Jayanagar IV Block soon

Multi-storeyed bus-stop at Jayanagar IV Block soon
Deccan Herald

Chief Minister H D Kumaaraswamy laid the foundation stone of the Rs 10-crore project that is expected to be completed in 18 months, on Thursday.

The rundown bus shelters at Jayanagar IV Block will soon be replaced by a swanky multi-storeyed bus-stand, complete with a parking lot, commercial outlets and offices. Chief Minister H D Kumaaraswamy laid the foundation stone of the Rs 10-crore project that is expected to be completed in 18 months, on Thursday.

Spread over 30 guntas of land, the building will have bus-stops on the ground floor, commercial offices on the first and second floor and parking space for two and four-wheelers on the third floor. The building will also house restaurants, pass counters and toilets. It will be connected at all ends through subways.

More Volvo buses

Five new Volvos were added to the BMTC fleet on the occasion, and a new route has been introduced connecting Kempegowda bus station to ITPL and Kadugodi bus station. The 30.4 kms stretch will touch M G Road, Airport Road, Marathahalli, Satyasai Heart Institute, ITPL and Hope Farm.

It will run at a 45-minute frequency. The BMTC is also planning to introduce a ‘Gold pass’ scheme for Volvo bus users, which will provide accident insurance coverage to the tune of Rs 3 lakh and free vehicle parking facility at BMTC depots.

New bus stands

Jayanagar IX Block and Banashankari will see upgradation soon, assured Kumaaraswamy. He promised to lay foundation stones and begin the construction work soon.

Suvarna Karnataka

Celebrating their achievement of crossing Rs 100 crore mark in profits, the BMTC has instituted a “BMTC Kannada Sahitya Prashisthi’ to promote Kannada literature and culture, which coincides with Suvarna Karnataka year. The award will carry a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh. The BMTC has opened a fixed deposit of Rs 1.5 crore, the interest accrued would go towards the award.

The BMTC has also announced another cash award of Rs 10,000 for upcoming Kannada writers below 30 years.

BMTC’S WISH LIST TO GOVT

* Allotment of 300 acres of land to BMTC at acquisition cost by BDA in its various layouts

* Reduction of Motor Vehicle Tax from 5.5 % to 2 %

* Grant of Rs 25 crore to procure 25 new Volvo buses

* Rs 100 crore under infrastructure grants for purchase of land

* Approval of BMTC’s Rs 3,000 crore infrastructure development project under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission

* Provide concessional tax facility by changing VAT categorisation from 12.5 % to 4 % on the procurement of buses

nProviding dedicated bus lanes for BMTC buses

* Appointment of an architect company to conceptualise a three tier road network

CM’s promises

* Traffic congestion to be sorted out within six months

* Bus bays on busy roads

* Traffic monitoring cameras at 200 junctions

* 100 Volvo buses to be introduced

* Increase penalty for traffic violations through amendment of the law

* Escalators suggested for Jayanagar 4th block skywalk