Underutilised Basaveshwara bus terminal in Peenya to become shopping complex

The KSRTC has said that the 87,000-sq.ft. facility will now be leased to external parties for use as a shopping and commercial complex.
| Photo Credit: File Photo

The Basaveshwara bus terminal in Peenya, North Bengaluru, which has remained largely underutilised since its inauguration nearly a decade ago, is set to take on a new role. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has decided to lease the facility for commercial purposes, transforming it into a shopping complex.

Built at a cost of ₹40 crore, the terminal initially commenced operations in 2014, with around 140 bus schedules relocated from Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic). These routes connected Davangere, Shivamogga, Chitradurga, Tumakuru, and other destinations in North Karnataka. However, the venture was short-lived as poor patronage resulted in significant revenue losses. Within months, the services were reverted to Majestic.

An official from the KSRTC said that the 87,000-sq.ft. facility will now be leased to external parties for use as a shopping and commercial complex. “Despite several attempts to revitalise the terminal, including exploring its potential as a bus depot for electric buses, none of the initiatives achieved the desired outcomes,” the official explained.

Efforts to increase footfall included collaborations with the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), which introduced buses from or through the terminal to various parts of the city. However, this strategy too failed to attract a significant number of commuters.

Over the years, authorities considered several proposals to integrate the terminal with surrounding infrastructure and enhance its appeal. Plans such as linking it with the nearby Peenya metro station, introducing shuttle services, and even establishing a multiplex remained unimplemented, leaving the facility largely unused.