Pics: Justin D’Silva

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Feb 19: Long-awaited dream of general public in Udupi to have a full-fledged KSRTC Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM) bus stop is becoming true with the new bus station being inaugurated within a month.

In September 2016, KSRTC JnNURM buses started their operation in Udupi. Till then, private city busses were the mode of transport for the people. They plied to nook and corners of Udupi districts. But the then in-charge minister of Udupi, Pramodh Madhwaraj took a bold decision to introduce KSRTC buses for city limits. The low-floored KSRTC JnNURM buses proved to be very helpful for commuters, especially the senior citizens.

As the commuters increased, necessity of a full-fledged bus station was highly recommended. In October 2017, the foundation stone for a new KSRTC city bus stand was laid. The new bus stand can accommodate 10 buses at a time. There are some shops available on rent for commercial use.

But everything is not good in the new bus station. Before its inauguration, the station is filled with lots of gutka wrappers and gutka spit all over the place. The Rs four crore worth project is very much neglected before its official inauguration.

"Every day, many daily wage labourers sleep on the portico, and in the building premises. They spit all over here to ruin the place. We had requested them many a times to vacate the place. After the starting of operations, proper care should be taken about the cleanliness of the premise," said an employe of KSRTC who wished to remain anonymous.

Speaking to Daijiworld.com, Arun, KSRTC Mangaluru divisional controller said, "Exact date for the inauguration of the new bus stand is not yet fixed. But the auction process for the commercial shops has begun. Interested parties can apply online.”