In a significant move to bolster its public transportation infrastructure, Mysuru is set to get four major new bus depots and stands on its outskirts. This development comes on the heels of the state government's approval to upgrade Mysuru to a Grade 1 city corporation, setting the stage for accelerated urban growth.
Addressing Future Transport Needs
The KSRTC Mysuru Urban division has initiated preparations to establish these crucial facilities at four key connecting points on the city's periphery. The plan involves utilizing a total of 8 acres of land at each location, situated just outside the proposed Peripheral Ring Road. This strategic placement aims to meet the escalating public transport demands and cater to the anticipated population surge.
Officials cited Mysuru's rapid development in education, healthcare, tourism, and business as the primary drivers for this expansion. The existing KSRTC Suburban bus stand on the Bengaluru-Nilgiris road, located in the central business district, is landlocked and cannot be expanded further. Although a new stand is under construction at Banni Mantap, the four additional facilities are deemed essential for future requirements.
Scale of Operations and Current Challenges
The scale of Mysuru's bus operations underscores the need for this expansion. Mysuru district operates the second-highest number of KSRTC buses in the state after Bengaluru, with a fleet of 1,200 buses attached to its Urban and Rural divisions. Currently, the urban division handles approximately 3.5 lakh daily passengers, while the rural division serves around 2.5 lakh travellers commuting to various cities and towns.
A pressing challenge highlighted by the transport authority is the operation of additional buses during major events like the Dasara festivities. The city witnesses an influx of lakhs of visitors from across Karnataka, but the non-availability of adequate depot and stand space severely limits service enhancement during these peak times.
Strategic Locations and Official Action
The new depots and stands are planned on roads connecting to Hunsur, T Narasipura, HD Kote, and Nanjangud. The blueprint allocates about 6 acres for each bus depot and 2 acres for each accompanying bus stand near the Peripheral Ring Road.
Acting on directions from Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, the KSRTC Mysuru Urban division is finalizing fresh proposals to be submitted to the district administration and the Mysuru Development Authority (MDA) for land sanction. HT Veeresh, the divisional controller, confirmed that formal letters requesting the 8-acre plots will be sent to both entities by next week. A detailed project report will also be forwarded to the state transport minister for further approval.
Once constructed, these facilities will enable KSRTC to operate more buses on existing routes and efficiently service the new residential layouts emerging around Mysuru, future-proofing the city's connectivity.
