Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jun 25: Land at Pumpwell had been acquired about a decade back for setting up of a well-equipped central bus stand of the city there. Now it appears that the city corporation and district administration are now thinking of relocating the bus stand to Padil in the city outskirts.

Currently, the complex of the district deputy commissioner's office is being constructed at Padil. It is felt that it would be beneficial for the people if the bus stand comes up in the vicinity of this complex. Moreover, the city (junction) railway station is located nearby. As such many have been arguing that Padil will suit the bill more than Pumpwell.

There is a 17-acre plot owned by private persons next to the proposed deputy commissioner's complex. It has been decided to hold discussions with the land owner.

Land reserved for new bus stand near Pumpwell Circle (file photo)

Pumpwell has already become a hub of traffic and traffic pressure is high there. The pressure will increase if a bus stand is built there. Therefore, many have expressed the opinion that shifting of the bus stand away from Pumpwell is the best solution. It is said that experts have also predicted problems at Pumpwell during rainy season. There are also differences between the corporation and the department of national highways on the proposal to build road from the bus stand to the highway. Therefore, this project does not appear to be going anywhere.

There was plan to construct integrated transportation hub at Mallal private, inter-city bus stands, shopping centre, offices etc. In 2009, 7.23 acres of private land had been acquired for the purpose. The officials also plan to set up substation at Pumpwell. One more substation will also come up at Kurur. These things are still in the state of proposals in the smart city meetings, and final decision is yet to be taken.

City corporation commissioner, Narayanappa, said that the proposal for bus stand at Pumpwell has not been shelved but a decision to set up well-equipped bus stand near the deputy commissioner's complex at Padil has been taken. He said that once this land area is fixed, further steps would be taken.