Bengaluru
The Peenya Bus Terminal, also known as Basaveshwar Bus Stand, was established with the aim of decongesting the KSRTC bus stand at Majestic. However, it currently faces challenges, with maintenance costs reaching 7-8 lakhs per month, even when buses are not in operation. The terminal incurs expenses for services like water and electricity, staff wages, and security, amounting to a substantial monthly bill. While some buses are parked at night, they are not actively in operation. The terminal accommodates reservation counters for transport agencies from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, but its spacious building has not translated into significant revenue. Store spaces within the terminal remain vacant, and a hotel on the second floor has remained closed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Peenya Bus Terminal, established on 6.21 acres of land in 2014 at a cost of 40 crores, aimed to reroute buses serving North Karnataka away from Majestic. This experiment was short-lived and was discontinued due to the financial burden it placed on the corporation. The distance of 1 km from the terminal to the highway has limited alternative usage options. Proposals to rent space to software companies have not progressed. Divisional Controlling Officer Chandrasekhar acknowledged the challenges and revealed that tenders had been called once for renting the Basaveshwar Bus Stand, but received no response. New tenders are expected to be invited soon. The Skill Development Department of the Central Government has shown interest in renting the facility and has sent representatives to inspect the building. Currently, around Jalahalli Cross, the terminal is used to halt 40 buses from Andhra Pradesh and 20 buses from Kerala.
