In sum, here’s how to improve service in the Hubballi-Dharwad BRT system:
✅Renew and expand the bus fleet
✅Replace competing routes with BRT services
✅Harmonise public transport fares
✅Extend the corridor

❗️Recent press reports have pointed to a plan to demolish the existing HDBRT infrastructure and introduce low-platform stations and bi-articulated buses at a cost of INR 6,500 cr. In place of this outlandish proposal, let’s start with the low-cost interventions outlined above.

✅ Introduce BRT lanes below the Chennamma flyover.

The ongoing flyover construction at Chennamma Circle presents an opportunity to redesign the ground-level infrastructure with dedicated BRT lanes and intersection priority for BRT buses.

✅ Extend the corridor infrastructure.

Commercial speeds fall dramatically where the BRT buses enter mixed traffic at either end of the dedicated corridor. HDBRTSCL should extend the dedicated corridors to key destinations, such as Hubballi Railway Station.

✅ Expand busy stations

The Hubballi–Dharwad BRTS Company Ltd (HDBRTSCL) should build new independent sub-stops at stations that are operating at capacity. In central Dharwad and Hubballi, HDBRTSCL should adopt staggered station designs to offer passing lanes in both directions.

✅ Industry transition for private buses

Private operators run buses in mixed traffic parallel to the HDBRT. The government should work with operators to consolidate, procure BRT-compatible vehicles, and enter gross-cost contracts to run buses in the BRT corridors.

✅ Fare harmonisation

Women travel free on regular NWKRTC buses in mixed traffic, but they pay to use the HDBRT service. The city should adopt a uniform fare structure to make BRT service accessible to lower-income women (while phasing out the duplicative mixed traffic routes).

✅ Route rationalisation for NWKRTC routes.

NWKRTC runs a large number of buses in mixed traffic between Hubballi & Dharwad, representing needless duplication of service. An updated service plan should bring all of these services into the BRT lanes (with BRT-compatible buses).

✅ Bus fleet renewal

The aging HDBRT fleet is in urgent need of renewal and expansion. New buses should have doors on both sides to facilitate direct service operations. Replacement of the fleet with e-buses would improve the experience for drivers and passengers alike.

ICYMI: This video describes the key features of the Hubballi-Dharwad BRT system:
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The HDBRT corridor has several unique features among Indian BRT systems:
✅ Passing lanes at most stations
✅ Express services that provide quick journeys between the twin cities, with commercial speeds from 32-36 km/h
✅ BRT-only flyovers to help buses avoid intersection delays