Hubballi: The city division of North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) has launched
bus service to Hosur Regional Bus Station from several areas in Hubballi. However, it is yet to start bus services from Raj Nagar, Santosh Nagar, Shakti Nagar, Vijaya Nagar and other areas that fall under Ashok Nagar police station, to any main bus stands of the city. They are connected only with CBT.
Anjana B I, a resident of Raj Nagar said only one bus is being run in the morning to Anand nagar, Basaveshwar Nagar, New Bus Stand. “We have to change the bus at Corporation stop to go to Old, New or Hosur Bus Stands. I had written a letter to NWKRTC 3-4 years ago but no response,” she added.
Vinayak, a student of Government First Grade College in Raj Nagar said several rural students have to change the bus at Old Bus Stand and then Corporation to reach the college. “The area has Kendriya Vidyalaya No.1, JK School, Pillay School and many more educational institutions and students have to change buses at different places. Due to the inadequate public transport, they cross railway line to reach
Hubballi-Dharwad main road,” he rued.
Kumar Sankannavar, a teacher at Government High School in Vishweshwar Nagar asserted that lack of city buses to main bus stands has forced residents to buy personal vehicles for their convenience. “However, school children, senior citizens, pregnant women and others are struggling to reach bus stands for their daily need,” he observed.
He also noted that these areas, comprising 20% of the total population of Hubballi, are deprived of bus connection with KIMS, SDM Hospital and Dharwad. “Even Nrupatunga Hills, a prime tourist spot, is not connected to the Old Bus Stand or any other main bus stands,” he added.
Vivekananda Vishwadnya, Hubballi City Divisional Controller, Hubballi said he will plan to introduce city buses from said areas to bus stands soon on trial basis. “Based on public response, we will decide next step,” he added.