Manipal Urges Development of Modern Bus Terminal to Improve Connectivity

Residents, students and local businesses in Manipal have sounded the alarm over the need for a contemporary bus terminal. The current facility is cramped, poorly maintained and unable to cope with the increasing demand for intercity travel.

Constructed in the early 1980s, the existing bus depot sits in the core of the town and is a relic of past planning. It provides inadequate seating, lacks a proper ticketing system, and its awning shelters are often damaged by monsoon rains. The consequent traffic bottlenecks are especially problematic for the university’s large commuting population and the growing number of tourists arriving by road.

Without an upgraded terminal, commuters face longer travel times, higher risk of accidents at the congested junctions, and limited support for people with disabilities. Economically, the substandard infrastructure deters regional trade, discourages new transport services and hampers the city’s appeal as a hub for education and research. City officials have pledged to study the proposal, but as of now the plea remains unanswered. Source: Google News – Manipal.