The Dakshina Kannada Bus Operators' Association has stepped forward with a significant proposal to take over the maintenance and management of the century-old State Bank bus stand in Mangaluru. This move comes as a direct response to the persistent lack of basic amenities at the facility, which is currently under the care of the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC). The association asserts that it can provide the systematic upkeep and essential facilities that passengers and bus employees desperately need.
Chronic Shortcomings at a Key Transit Point
Despite renovations carried out by Mangaluru Smart City Limited (MSCL), the bus stand continues to suffer from a severe deficit of fundamental infrastructure. Jayasheela Adyanthaya, the former president of the association, highlighted the glaring gaps. He pointed out that there are no proper waiting areas for commuters, a complete absence of public restrooms, and inadequate facilities for drivers, conductors, and other staff members who spend long hours at the stand.
Further compounding the issue is the lack of safe footpaths for pedestrians both within the bus stand premises and in the immediate surrounding area. The association also lacks a dedicated office space at the stand, which could be used for administrative work, including issuing city bus passes. Despite submitting multiple memorandums to the district administration and the MCC to transform the bus stand into a full-fledged modern facility, none of their demands have been addressed so far.
A Community-Driven Solution Proposed
Frustrated by the inaction and the potential for purely profit-driven management by private agencies, the association is now offering a community-oriented solution. Azeez Parthipady, the incumbent president, stated that the association is prepared to assume maintenance responsibilities without seeking monetary benefits. He emphasized that their deep, firsthand knowledge of the stand's daily operational flaws positions them perfectly to implement effective improvements.
"The entire functioning of the bus stand is not systematic, and there is no cleanliness," Parthipady explained. "If the bus stand maintenance is handed over to private agencies, they look only at monetary benefits. We do not want any monetary benefits. We know all the shortcomings at the bus stand and, with the available funds, we will take up the maintenance work." The association has committed to starting work immediately upon receiving official permission from the authorities.
Authorities Considering the Request
The proposal has reached the desks of the city's administrators. MCC commissioner Ravichandra Naik confirmed that the city corporation is actively considering the request put forth by the bus owners. This indicates a potential shift in the management model of the public transport hub, moving from civic body oversight to a stakeholder-led initiative aimed solely at improving service quality and passenger experience.
The association's readiness to act represents a critical juncture for one of Mangaluru's oldest and busiest transit points. Their plan promises to address long-standing grievances by focusing on practical, passenger-centric upgrades, setting a precedent for community involvement in public infrastructure management.
