Hubballi: The construction of the HD-BRTS bus station near Galli Durgamma Temple is progressing at a slow pace, causing significant inconvenience to daily commuters. The earlier station at Hosur Cross was demolished to make way for the KC Circle flyover project. As work on the flyover continues, two new stations are required to replace the lost infrastructure.
Construction Delays and Commuter Woes
Although construction of the station near Galli Durgamma Temple began months ago, it remains incomplete. The national highway linked to the flyover project is also needed for building the Chigari bus stations. With no functional station in place, commuters are facing numerous difficulties and have urged authorities to expedite the work.
The Hosur Cross station was a key junction where commuters changed routes. Its demolition due to the ongoing flyover work has left many worried. Those traveling towards Hosur Cross or Gokul Road now have to alight at the previous station. Poor coordination between departments has further slowed the progress.
Temporary Arrangements Fall Short
To manage crowds, the BRTS has set up a temporary ticket counter and stop. However, commuters continue to wait for buses without shelters, standing in the hot sun. Many college students, employees, and regular commuters from Dharwad have expressed dissatisfaction with the transport arrangements.
Satish Naganur, an engineer with the NH PWD, stated that two BRTS bus stations — one in front of the Old Bus Stand near KC Circle and another at Hosur Cross — were demolished. He added that construction at Hosur Cross has now begun and that another stop is planned near the IT park towards Dharwad Road. He said the BRTS station work is on hold due to the rapid progress of the flyover project and assured that construction will be expedited once the flyover is completed.
Public Outcry and Demands
A senior citizen, Chandrashekar Hosamani, said commuters have been facing hardships since the station was demolished. He pointed out that the flyover work has already been delayed and that the removal of the station has added to the difficulties. He criticized the authorities for failing to construct the new station on time and urged them to complete all works soon.
BA Patil, president of the Karnataka Senior Citizens' Welfare Association, Hubballi, said a delegation had met BRTS officials regarding the demolished station at Hosur Cross. He said officials had indicated that once the flyover work is completed within three months, plans would be drawn up in consultation with the association to provide a new bus station. He added that there is considerable confusion in city transport and urged authorities to provide proper facilities at the earliest.
