: If everything goes as planned, various development works under the Transit-Oriented Development project will be undertaken adjacent to the Navanagar BRTS bus stop by the Hubballi-Dharwad Bus Rapid Transit System (HD-BRTS).
On about 7,250 square metres owned by the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation, various projects will be developed for the benefit of the public, especially children. A tender has been invited for the project, which will cost Rs 3 crore. A food park, a transit plaza, a children’s park, and toilets will be built. The work on the project, which will begin soon after the tender process is completed, is expected to be completed within a year.
Located in the middle of Hubballi-Dharwad twin cities, Navanagar is a densely populated area. The city is helpful in meeting the various needs of the surrounding villages such as health care, education, marketing etc. Besides this, the Hubballi-Dharwad BRTS bus station provides good connectivity. In this regard, the BRTS has been assigned to execute a Place Making Scheme adjacent to BRTS bus stand. The scheme envisages to create places where people can live, work, play, feel safe, and connected. The project is sanctioned by the Directorate of Urban land Transport, Bengaluru.
HD-BRTS general manager R Gudaraddi told STOI that TOD integrates land use and transport planning and aims to develop planned sustainable urban growth centres, having walkable and livable communes with high density mixed land use. “Citizens will be given an opportunity to access open green and public spaces while efficiently utilizing the transit facilities,” he official said.
“As per the plan, it has four systems: food court, transit plaza, children’s park and traffic park. A total of 12 food stalls will be built in the food court. A toilet will be constructed next to it. Seats will be arranged for the public to sit in the transit plaza. A garden will also be developed. Children’s garden is equipped with toys for playing. A wire fence will be installed around for safety reasons. A children’s toilet, a security guard room and an auditorium for various purposes will be constructed. A traffic park will be constructed where children will be informed about the traffic rules. Small signal, small road, signage board, pedestrian crossing and other models are also planned,” he added.Basavaraj Jamboti, a resident of Navanagar welcomed the decision of BRTS to construct the park and undertake development works for the convenience of the people of Navanagar and surrounding areas. “BRTS should ensure good quality work,” he said.
