Hosur HD-BRTS stop shut amid flyover work, commuters hit

Hubballi: The HD-BRTS bus stop at Hosur Circle in Hubballi has been vacated due to ongoing flyover construction, inconveniencing daily commuters. This is the second HD-BRTS stop to be shut after the facility near the renovated old bus stand was cleared earlier. Officials had spent at least Rs 1 crore on each bus stop. Since flyover work began, commuters have faced repeated disruptions, with residents blaming unscientific execution and poor coordination among departments for the chaos.

Passengers, already struggling due to delays and lack of timelines for the project, are now left without even basic facilities. Due to official apathy, those travelling to Hubballi are facing hardships. The flyover, initially scheduled for completion by the end of 2024, has now been delayed further, with authorities yet to give a clear deadline. Commuters have also expressed disappointment with BRTS services.

BA Patil, a retired state government employee from Hubballi, said the absence of a bus stop at Hosur Cross would cause major inconvenience, especially for senior citizens. Buses now halt at the regional bus stop about 300 metres away, forcing commuters to walk to board buses towards Gokul Road. He urged authorities to immediately construct an alternative stop.

Vinod Patil, a commuter from Dharwad, said passengers travelling from Hosur Cross to Gokul Road and other areas are suffering due to the lack of a stop. “The flyover work has been delayed and executed unscientifically. Two BRTS stops have been vacated within a year. Passengers are facing multiple problems,” he said.

Savitri Kadi, managing director of HD-BRTS, said that before vacating the stop, a request was made to the deputy commissioner during a flyover review meeting to arrange alternate facilities. An alternative site has been identified near the IT Park and Gali Durgamma temple. “After discussions with officials and elected representatives, a new bus stop will be constructed soon,” she said.