Pumpwell Bus Terminal: ₹495 Cr Dream Gets Fourth EOI Call

Mangaluru Smart City Limited (MSCL) has once again invited Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the long-delayed development of an integrated bus terminal at Pumpwell Junction. The ₹495 crore project envisions a state-of-the-art transport hub serving inter-city, intra-city, and intra-state buses, and will include passenger amenities, commercial spaces, food and beverage outlets, parking facilities, and a multi-level car park (MLCP).

Planned on a 7.23-acre site owned by the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC), the project has faced repeated delays due to a lack of interest from private developers under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model, despite three previous bidding attempts.

MSCL General Manager (Technical) Arun Prabha K.S. told the Times of India that while the project remains at the offer stage, it has yet to advance. A major hurdle is the proposed construction of an underpass connecting National Highway-66 to the terminal, estimated to cost around ₹60 crore. Since this portion of the project does not generate direct user revenue, it poses a significant financial challenge.

“We plan to revise the project concept and invite fresh EOIs. While the original cost was ₹495 crore, we are also considering a scaled-down version with an estimated cost of ₹200 crore,” Arun Prabha said. He added that resolving the underpass issue is key to unlocking progress on the long-pending terminal.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.