Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada Bus Operators’ Association has expressed its willingness to take over the maintenance of the State Bank bus stand, citing the lack of basic facilities for passengers and bus staff. The association said the move is aimed at ensuring better amenities, cleanliness and systematic functioning at one of the city’s oldest and busiest bus terminals.
At present, the bus stand is maintained by the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC). However, bus operators have alleged that despite renovation work undertaken earlier by Mangaluru Smart City Limited (MSCL), several essential facilities are still missing, causing inconvenience to commuters as well as drivers, conductors and other employees.
Lack of basic amenities despite renovation
Former president of the Dakshina Kannada Bus Operators’ Association, Jayasheela Adyanthaya, said that the renovation carried out under the Smart City project failed to address fundamental requirements of a public bus stand. He stated that passengers have no proper seating or waiting area, forcing them to stand for long periods, even during peak hours and adverse weather conditions.
“There is no restroom facility at the bus stand. Even drivers, conductors and other employees face severe difficulties due to the absence of basic amenities,” Adyanthaya said. He added that such shortcomings reflect poor planning and a lack of understanding of the day-to-day needs of public transport users.
Pedestrian safety and accessibility concerns
Adyanthaya also highlighted the absence of proper footpaths within and around the bus stand premises. According to him, pedestrians are forced to walk on the road amid moving buses and other vehicles, posing serious safety risks.
He further pointed out that the bus stand lacks an office for the bus owners’ association. Such an office, he said, could also be used for issuing city bus passes and addressing commuter grievances, which would help streamline operations and improve passenger convenience.
Repeated representations ignored
The association has submitted several memorandums to the district administration and the Mangaluru City Corporation, urging them to upgrade the century-old bus stand into a full-fledged and commuter-friendly facility. However, Adyanthaya alleged that none of their demands have been taken into consideration so far.
He said the failure to act on these representations has compelled the association to come forward with the proposal to take over maintenance responsibilities themselves, purely in the interest of the public and bus employees.
Association ready to take responsibility
Incumbent president of the Dakshina Kannada Bus Operators’ Association, Azeez Parthipady, said the association is fully prepared to manage and maintain the bus stand if permission is granted by the authorities. He stressed that the objective is not to generate revenue but to ensure proper facilities and cleanliness.
“The entire functioning of the bus stand is not systematic, and there is no proper cleanliness. If maintenance is handed over to private agencies, they usually focus only on monetary benefits. We do not want any monetary benefits,” Parthipady said.
He added that bus operators are well aware of the shortcomings of the bus stand and are confident of addressing them using available funds. “Soon after receiving permission, the association will commence the maintenance work and ensure that passengers and employees get the facilities they deserve,” he said.
Corporation considering the proposal
Mangaluru City Corporation commissioner Ravichandra Naik confirmed that the proposal submitted by the bus operators is under consideration. He said the corporation is examining the request, keeping in mind the readiness of the association to take up maintenance responsibilities.
Officials indicated that any decision would have to follow due procedure and ensure that public interest is safeguarded, as the bus stand is an important public infrastructure facility serving thousands of commuters daily.
Need for coordinated approach
The issue has once again brought attention to the condition of key public transport infrastructure in the city and the need for coordinated planning between civic authorities and stakeholders. Transport experts point out that bus stands are not merely transit points but public spaces that require adequate seating, sanitation, accessibility and safety features.
In conclusion, the bus operators’ proposal reflects growing concern over inadequate facilities at the State Bank bus stand. Whether the maintenance is handed over to the association or upgraded by civic authorities, stakeholders agree that immediate steps are required to improve conditions for passengers and transport workers alike.