The work on developing a “transportation hub”, including a bus- stand near Pumpwell connecting the National Highway 17, has begun with Mangalore City Corporation inviting bids to level a portion of the land identified for the purpose.
According to the tender notification published on September 24, the last date to submit e-bids (online) is October 8 and the financial bids will be opened on October 11.
Deputy Commissioner V. Ponnuraj told The Hindu that about 20 acres of land was required for developing what he described as the “transportation hub”.
“We have so far identified 11 acres, including seven acres of land already acquired. Acquisition of the balance four acres will be through shortly as the owners of that property have agreed to part with their lands,” he said.
K. N. Vijayaprakash, Commissioner of the corporation, said that the bid invited now was meant for levelling four of the seven acres acquired.
The blueprint of the proposed transportation hub is not yet ready. According to the plan, a bus terminal for both KSRTC and private buses, including some city buses, will be built in the land. In addition, it will have parking facility for autorickshaws, taxis and private vehicles. An automobile service station (garage), luggage room and associated facilities will also be created there, according to Mr. Ponnuraj.
“Our plan is to develop a one-stop solution for the transportation requirement of the people on the public-private partnership model for the next 20 years,” the Deputy Commissioner said.
Mr. Ponnuraj, who is chairman of the Regional Transport Authority, Dakshina Kannada, said that the administration would soon prepare a draft of the traffic management plan for easing traffic congestion in the city. It would be placed before the people for suggestions and objections.
According to the plan, some roads will be made one-way and some others will be made one-way only for buses.
He said that the plan was to allow one-way traffic on Falnir Road.
Buses destined to Hampankatta from Kottara and Urwa Stores would be allowed through Durga Mahal and Car Street. Buses from Hampankatta towards Kottara would be allowed through GHS Road, K.S. Rao Road, PVS Circle and M.G. Road, he said.
The administration is also planning to divert KSRTC buses coming into and going out of the its Bejai bus-stand to NH 17 instead of passing through the city. In addition, there are plans to lay one-way stretches for buses plying between Moodbidri and the city.
