Hassan: Transport Minister R Ramalinga Reddy said, a new bus stand is being constructed at a cost of Rs 6 crore in Hassan city, and 29 new city buses would be introduced soon.

Speaking after inaugurating the renovated KSRTC bus stand at Dudda village, in the taluk, on Thursday, he said, the bus stand has been renovated at a cost of Rs 88 lakh.

Reddy said, new bus stands would be built at various places in the district. Officials concerned have been directed to make seating facilities at the Hassan bus stand for the benefit of the passengers.

The KSRTC Hassan depot has been allotted 74 new buses and 38 additional buses would be allotted shortly, he said. There are complaints that used buses in Bengaluru division are being diverted to Hassan. So, the minister clarified that it is not true, as it is not possible to shift buses from one division to another.

MLC Patel Shivaram appealed to divert some of the buses to rural areas. Retired staff of KSRTC should be given free bus passes to travel across the State, he said.

MLA H D Revanna stressed for a schedule of buses to help students.Addressing a press meet later, Ramalinga Reddy said, the KSRTC bus fare will be reduced soon after the approval of the Chief Minister.