Malingaraya Pujar
CH NEWS
The much-awaited Ambari double-decker bus service in Gadag has been discontinued, leaving residents disappointed and ending hopes of offering tourists a different view of the city.
The service was introduced with the aim of promoting local tourism and allowing visitors to see important places from an open rooftop. However, the ambitious plan could not continue for long. The bus has now been sent back to Mysuru, turning what was seen as a promising tourism initiative into a project that failed to find lasting support locally.
The project had been sanctioned when H.K. Patil was serving as Tourism Minister in the Siddaramaiah government, and it was considered one of his important plans for the district. The political situation later changed, and Patil lost his ministerial position. After that, the project reportedly lost momentum. Difficulties in moving the plan forward, along with technical concerns, weakened the service. What began as an effort to create a new attraction for Gadag therefore struggled to receive the continued administrative and political attention needed to survive.
The Ambari was planned to start from the central bus stand and cover several tourist and public attractions, including Bheeshma Lake, the District Administration Building, Binkadakatti Zoological Park and Saalumarada Thimmakka Park. Its open-top design was expected to give passengers a memorable sightseeing experience while they travelled through the twin city. Yet the city’s narrow roads created a serious challenge for the large vehicle. Overhead high-voltage power lines and other cables were close to the upper deck, raising safety concerns for passengers and making operation difficult.
Cost was another concern. The fare, fixed between ₹60 and ₹100 per passenger, was considered high by many families, especially when passenger numbers remained below expectations. With infrastructure issues, safety risks and demand affecting the service, the bus was stopped within days and returned to Mysuru. The development has disappointed people who had hoped to explore Gadag from a new perspective. Local residents now want authorities to address infrastructure and planning gaps before introducing tourism projects. For now, Ambari remains a missed opportunity for Gadag.
