Ashok promises more bus shelters in city

Ashok promises more bus shelters in city
BY ASHWINI Y.S.
BENGALURU

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As the minister in charge of Bengaluru, the transport minister, Mr R.

Ashok, wants to resolve two issues immediately.

The minister has called for a meeting with various agencies to first tackle the issue of insufficient bus shelters in the coming week.

Of the 2,800 bus stops in the city, only 600 have bus shelters. The BDA, and BMRDA areas are worst affected as most of the bus stops in these areas do not have shelters.

“A few months ago BMTC had asked BBMP to set up an additional 400 bus shelters. However, the BBMP has agreed to take up only 80 shelters which are in prime areas. The Palike has is working with a commer cial mindset instead of having a service mindset. Many interior areas are being neglected due to this. I have called for a coordination committee meeting with the transport department and BBMP in order to direct the Palike to build all the 400 bus shelters, or pass them on to the transport department.

The shelters should be ready in six months,” he added.

Agencies like the BBMP, BDA, BMRDA, BMTC, traffic and revenue departments will participate in the meeting with the minister to talk about the lack of sufficient bus depots in the city.

“The city needs at least 10 more depots. Right now buses park themselves on the crossroads in residential areas creating a nuisance.

We are trying to buy lands if possible from government agencies to build bus shelters with the latest technology,” he said.

On June 16 the minister will meet BBMP to address the issue of flooding in Bengaluru.

“Works on several stormwater drains were stopped due to various reasons. I will give priority to stop flooding and ensure that encroachments are cleared. They will be demolished,” he added.