Unused bus shelters at KR circle

Unused bus shelters at KR circle


Faiza HaneefFirst Published : 13 Oct 2009 04:37:00 AM ISTLast Updated : 13 Oct 2009 07:55:29 AM IST
BANGALORE: In yet another case which exposes the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike's (BBMP) callous planning ways in the construction of fixing underpasses and flyovers, a designated bus bay and two bus shelters on Nrupatunga Road near the KR Circle junction are lying unused.
Despite the newly-built underpass already leading into this bus bay, BBMP has designed yet another bus bay, putting two bus shelters at a distance of about 50 metres of each other.
Even though the officials were aware of the existing bus shelter on Nrupatunga Road, they went ahead with the construction of the underpass.
While the recently-created rotary at this junction has only helped worsen the traffic situation, the magic box and the shifting of the bus shelters have added to the chaos for commuters.
“The entire rotary concept is in itself an ill conceived project and the construction of underpass and bus bays compounds the problems,” said Niraj, a motorist.
“As soon as we get into Nrupatunga Road from this underpass, our way is obstructed by the commuters waiting for the buses,” he added.
A senior BBMP official said that the bus bay and shelters were present even prior to the construction of the underpass.
However, the Palike is not making arrangments to shift the bus shelters to other locations.
The bus shelters are constructed on a BOOT (build, own, operate and transfer) basis. However, under the scheme, BBMP will not spend money on the shelters. The cost of construction will be borne by the builders which helps BBMP net a huge revenue.
The bus shelters appear to have been built keeping in mind advertising value rather than commuter ease. And when asked about this, the BBMP official refused to comment.