Mangaluru Smart City Limited Revives ₹495 Crore Integrated Bus Terminal Plan at Pumpwell Junction

Mangaluru Smart City Limited (MSCL) has once again invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the development of a long-pending integrated bus terminal at Pumpwell junction. The ₹495 crore project, aimed at creating a modern terminal catering to inter-city, intra-city, and intra-state buses along with passenger amenities, parking, food and beverage units, commercial spaces, and a multi-level car park (MLCP), has faced multiple delays due to lack of bidder response.

The project, planned on 7.23 acres of land owned by Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC), has struggled to attract developers under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model, even after three calls for bids.

MSCL General Manager (Technical) Arun Prabha KS told the Times of India that although the project was in the offer stage, it has yet to progress further. A key challenge is the construction of an underpass connecting National Highway-66 to the terminal, estimated to cost around ₹60 crore. Since this cost cannot be recovered through user fees, it poses a significant financial hurdle.

“We plan to revise the project concept and invite fresh EOIs. While the initial estimate was ₹495 crore, a revised cost of ₹200 crore is also being considered,” Arun Prabha said. He added that the underpass issue remains the main impediment but is expected to be resolved soon, allowing the project to move forward.