‘Operate buses to other states, districts from satellite stands’

With traffic congestion in the city rising, an appeal has been made to the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) authorities to operate buses to other states, districts and rural areas from the satellite bus stands built on the outskirts of the city.

Former corporator of Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) K.V. Mallesh has written to the Divisional Controllers of KSRTC Mysuru City Division and Mysuru Rural Division to effectively utilise the well-equipped satellite bus stands constructed at Kuvempunagar, Sathagalli, Ilavala and other locations.

If buses arriving from other states, districts and rural areas are made to halt at these satellite bus stands on the model of the Bengaluru satellite bus stand, it would considerably reduce the pressure on the suburban bus stand, city bus stand and the core areas of the city, Mr. Mallesh felt.

He pointed out that a major portion of the satellite bus stands had been leased out for commercial establishments such as shopping malls, educational institutions and other activities. “While this may generate revenue for the corporation, the primary objective of constructing these bus stands has not been fulfilled,” noted Mr. Mallesh, who also heads the Anikethana Seva Trust, Mysuru.

As the city continues to grow with a rising population, there has also been a noticeable surge in tourist traffic following the launch of the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway, which has significantly increased the movement of people and vehicles between the two cities. Also, the number of commuters travelling to Mysuru from surrounding villages, towns and cities has risen along with the increase in the number of tourists from neighbouring states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Mr. Mallesh noted.

“As a result, especially during weekends, long holidays and the Dasara festival, there is a severe congestion of people and vehicles in the city centre, disrupting smooth traffic movement. Tourists, who visit Mysuru to get a break from the congestion and stressful life of Bengaluru, are also experiencing similar conditions here,” he lamented.

While suggesting that buses from outside the city be made to operate from the satellite bus stand, Mr. Mallesh suggested that the areas surrounding the satellite bus stands should be developed commercially so that people coming from rural areas and taluk centres for various purposes can travel to the core of the city. “This would also help Mysuru grow in a more decentralised manner with suburban hubs,” he said.

The KSRTC should also strengthen city bus connectivity from the satellite bus stands to major commercial centres, tourist destinations and new residential areas to help control the growing vehicular congestion in the city.

He also urged the Transport Minister to provide additional buses needed for the city while calling upon Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to release special grants for the same in the coming State Budget.