Hotel owners oppose KSRTC decision to shift Mysuru suburban bus stand citing ‘inconvenience’ to tourists

Opposition to relocating suburban bus stand to Bannimantap due to negative impact on local economy and tourism convenience.

The proposed shifting of the suburban bus stand to Bannimantap where the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is poised to construct a new terminal at a cost of ₹120 crore, has been opposed by members of the hotel owners’ association.

Though a section of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society groups have also opposed the new bus stand favouring a different location beyond the Outer Ring Road, the hotel owners want the suburban bus stand to continue from its current location.

One of the main reasons for the KSRTC to opt for a new bus terminal is that the present location is inadequate to handle the vehicle rush and passenger load. Besides, as the bus stand is choking traffic and adding to congestion, the KSRTC has decided to construct a new terminal on its plot of land at Bannimantap. NGOs, however, have said that the move will only shift the problem from one part of the city to another and suggested that the new terminal be constructed beyond the ORR so that it would obviate the need for inter-State and intra-State buses to enter the city.

However, at a meeting convened by the Mysuru Hotel Owners’ Association here on Friday, president of the association C. Narayana Gowda said shifting the bus stand to a faraway location in a tourism-oriented city could have several disadvantages, including creating inconvenience for tourists. Other members said tourists unfamiliar with the city may find it difficult to access the bus stand if it is far from the central tourist spots, causing frustration. In addition, it will add to transportation costs and time for tourists needing to commute to and from the new location, according to the association members.

The stakeholders claimed that there will be a negative impact on the local economy and businesses near the old bus stand (e.g., shops, restaurants, hotels) may experience a decline in footfall and revenue. New businesses may take time to develop around the relocated bus stand, leaving a gap in local economic activity, according to the association members.

A section of them spoke of utilising the vacant swathe of land near People’s Park while others argued for creating a multi-level bus stand on the lines of multi-level parking, to overcome the space crunch to park buses.

A section of the speakers threatened to shut their business in protest and it was suggested that a meeting be convened with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and district in-charge Minister H.C. Mahadevappa to apprise them of the issue.