Belagavi’s Smart City Bus Terminal Inaugurated but Yet to Start Operations.

Two weeks after its grand inauguration under the Smart City initiative, Belagavi’s newly constructed City Bus Terminal (CBT) remains non-functional, causing inconvenience to commuters.

Located adjacent to the old central bus terminal, the new CBT was designed to replace the outdated facility that faced overcrowding and inadequate amenities. Construction began in 2018 after dismantling the old terminal and was completed in 2025. The facility was officially inaugurated by the chief minister on October 4.

Currently, parts of the old central terminal continue to handle over 150 city and suburban bus services daily, but commuters face issues such as lack of proper platforms, insufficient lighting and shelter, and poor access to clean drinking water.

The new terminal features modern infrastructure including a three-storey building, 28 bus bays, seating areas, ticket counters, dedicated restrooms for women, lifts, and escalators. KL Gudennavar, divisional controller of the NWKRTC, said the terminal has not yet been officially handed over to the transport department. He assured that full-scale operations will begin once the handover is complete.

Shubha B, Managing Director of Belagavi Smart City Limited, stated that the terminal is undergoing final inspections to ensure all facilities are functional before the formal handover to the transport authority.

Belagavi MP Jagadish Shettar criticized the premature inauguration, questioning why the facility was opened before completing the handover and operational preparations.

The delay has extended commuter difficulties but authorities remain optimistic about starting services soon to provide improved transit infrastructure and passenger convenience in Belagavi.