BANGALORE: Situated in West Bangalore, the area of Vijayanagara is considered to be one of the fastest growing localities in the city. With the busiest streets, the upcoming Metro, the poshest restaurants and temples that draw people from all over, one would not expect the locality to lag behind in any department. The new bus station at Vijayanagar too isn’t far away and is keeping the flag held up high.Most city bus stands are often envisioned as unclean, garbage and spit-filled areas with the striking example of Shivajinagar Bus Stand. But this one begs to differ. With wide and clean bays, hygienic toilets, all basic amenities provided, it might as well work as a model for all the upcoming city bus stands.Cleanliness redefinedDespite the cause of the spotless cleanliness being the fact that the bus stand is relatively new, people are quite happy with the way the bus stand has been maintained. Each bay has not a single speck of dirt, the reason attributed to the contract that has been signed by the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) with a private company. Maintenance staff take shifts in cleaning the place.Linking buses everywhereBuses from here are connected to all important hubs of the city. Buses to KR Market, Kempegowda Bus Station, Yelehanka, Kengeri, Shivajinagar, Kavalbhairasandra run on a routine basis. The time schedule of the same is also said to be very convenient as there is not much of a wait between two buses. Volvos to the airport are also quite frequent.No lack of facilitiesDrinking water (both hot and cold) facilities have been put up at two places at the bus stand. The only complication lies in the fact that glasses to use the water haven’t been provided. Sources say that the reason for the same was the misuse by the commuters. Restrooms are clean but pay and use. Fire extinguishers have been installed at key points in the building in case of emergencies. Lights that have been instated, surprisingly, work. The periphery of the station overlooks the metro work giving a beautiful scenery. Street lights dot the boundary of the station. Trees have been planted giving the much needed breath of fresh air. Seating arrangements do not seem to be a cause of concern as of now. Lifts are provided to help the elderly and route maps have been put up in each bay to make travelling easy for commuters.Time and money mattersThe project is said to have been undertaken at the expense of `56 crore. It took 24 months to finish the bus stand.People speakA resident of the area, Manju, remarked, “I think its one of the most well maintained bus stops of Bangalore. It makes journeys so much more easier. Also, the issue of passes doesn’t mean long queues or fighting through the crowd here.” A commuter, Rekha, suggested a few changes to make the bus stand better. “The toilets could be made free in addition to maybe setting up a few shops and hotels inside the bus stand. It would complete it.”Authorities speakThe local corporator of the area H Raveendra said, “Shops have been put up. Renting process is being undertaken. It’s nice to know that people are appreciating our efforts.” The chief civil engineer for Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), Palanetra Naik TK, said, “We have tried to provide all the basic amenities that are required. Shops will be put up in the upper floor. Parking place is also being made available. For maintenance, we have outsourced our work. Also while constructing, we ensured the use of granite flooring and vitrified flooring in order to make sure that maintenance doesn’t take a toll.”
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