Hubballi to Get State-of-the-Art Central Bus Station, but Not Before 2025

Hubballi, EXPRESS News: The redevelopment of Hubballi’s Central Bus Stand, popularly known as the Old Bus Stand, has missed its initial deadline. Officials now estimate that the facility will open to the public by January next year.

The renovation project, which began in June 2022, was originally slated for completion by the end of this month. However, based on the current progress, the bus stand is likely to be finished by December, marking a three-month delay.

Mahesh Tenginkai, MLA for Hubballi-Dharwad (Central), on Friday inspected the ongoing works at the central bus stand. After receiving a firsthand update on the project’s status, he instructed officials to expedite the completion.

Officials attributed the delay to multiple factors. The enforcement of the model code of conduct during the general elections, which lasted nearly three months, hindered the procurement of certain materials. Additionally, they cited recent heavy rains as a contributing factor that slowed down construction.

The redevelopment project, funded by Hubballi-Dharwad Smart City Limited, was initially estimated at Rs 42 crore. The budget has now increased to Rs 50 crore to accommodate the addition of escalators and lifts.

Spanning 3.7 acres, the new four-story structure will significantly enhance capacity and amenities:

• The basement will provide parking for 84 four-wheelers and 64 two-wheelers.
• The lower ground floor will feature retail spaces, 10 bays for city buses (increased from 4), 6 bays for BRTS buses (up from 3), and parking for 16 idle buses. It will also include separate dormitories and washrooms for male and female staff.
• The upper ground area will house retail spaces, gender-specific toilets, a lift lobby, and 14 bus bays.

A notable feature of the renovated bus station will be its robust fire alarm system, making it the first smoke-free bus stand in the twin cities. The facility will also offer a dedicated dropping area for long-route buses in front of the main building.

BJP Leader Ravi Naik, HDSCL MD Rudresh Ghali, and other officials were present during the inspection.