Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday inspected the ongoing construction work of a new bus stand at Bannimantap in Mysuru.

The construction of a new bus stand at Bannimantap at a cost of ₹129 crore has been taken up as the suburban bus stand in the city was found to be operating beyond its carrying capacity, with a sharp increase in the number of buses and passengers over the years.

MLA for Narasimharaja Tanveer Sait informed the Chief Minister that the new bus stand would have 75 bus bays, which would facilitate the operation of 700 to 800 trips per day. The entry and exit of the buses would not be from the Dasara procession route, but from a new 100-feet-wide road, to be developed adjacent to Bal Bhavan and connect it to the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway, he said.

A statement issued by the authorities said separate bus bays would be provided for inter-State buses and city transport buses. “Clear signages will be installed for every bay,” the statement noted.

The basement at the new bus stand, which will be spread across 10,538 sq metre, will also have parking space for about 4,000 two-wheelers and 200 cars at a time.

The ground floor spread across 18,370 sq metre will be the main part of the bus terminal with passenger arrival and departure gates, ticket booking counters and an attractive garden and landscaping arrangement.

The first floor will be spread across 8,478 sq metre and will feature a section reserved for staff rest rooms, dormitories and offices. The public visiting the bus stand would be provided with modern amenities, said a press statement, adding that four lifts and two elevators would be installed for easy movement.

For the convenience of passengers, high-grade air-conditioned waiting halls are being constructed at the bus stand. “These will be modelled on airport lounges and will provide a comfortable experience for long-distance travellers. In addition, there will be a spacious hall for general waiting and free mobile-charging points,” the statement said.

Well-equipped parking stands for autorickshaws and taxis will be provided within the station premises. A tourist information centre and advance reservation counters will be set up to guide tourists.

Toilet complex

Apart from six toilet blocks each for women and men, separate toilets will also be provided for persons with disabilities and transgender persons.

For public safety, CCTV cameras and a public address system are being installed throughout the station. A police outpost and security office will be opened to prevent any untoward incidents. 

In particular, keeping passengers’ health in mind, there will be an “emergency health check-up centre” and a separate control room to handle fire-related emergencies, the statement noted.

The project also includes a “mother and child care centre”, a separate ramp for persons with disabilities and a special “path guidance” system for the visually impaired. Luggage rooms will be provided so that passengers can keep their luggage safely.

Traditional-style shops for commercial use, ATMs, a parcel/courier centre and post office services will be available under one roof. As an eco-friendly measure, charging points for electric two-wheelers will also be installed.

“The project report states that this project will not be limited to transport alone, but will also become a well-equipped commercial and service centre for the public,” the statement added.