Ernakulam to finally get new KSRTC stand; govt announces ₹12 cr
The new bus stand is part of the government's broader initiative to modernise bus stands across the state.
The new bus stand is part of the government's broader initiative to modernise bus stands across the state.
The new bus stand is part of the government's broader initiative to modernise bus stands across the state.
Kochi: The state government on Saturday announced ₹12 cr for the construction of a new KSRTC bus stand in Ernakulam, bringing much-needed relief to commuters. Finance Minister KN Balagopal made the announcement during his visit to the current bus stand. The depot is part of the government's broader initiative to modernise bus stands across the state. Balagopal noted that the Ernakulam bus stand's dilapidated condition has been a major drawback for the city.
The dire state of the current bus stand has been a major concern for the city, with the old facility plagued by crumbling infrastructure, inadequate drainage, and stagnant water. Passengers have long faced an unpleasant and unsafe environment, with a lack of basic amenities and proper scheduling information. The new bus stand will be constructed on KSRTC's own land in Karikkamuri, near the existing stand and located next to St Joseph's U P School.
The depot will feature a cost-effective and beautiful design with a full steel structure. Its proximity to both the South Railway Station and the Metro Station will significantly ease travel for commuters. The final designs will be prepared soon, with the Public Works Department creating the estimate after consulting with the Kerala Highway Research Institute.
The ₹12 cr funding will be transferred directly to KSRTC, which will allow construction to begin on an urgent basis. The direct fund transfer will bypass the previous land transfer disputes between departments that had stalled the project, which was initially planned in a contract with Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML). The minister also added that the government has planned projects to modernise the KSRTC bus fleet and introduce more new buses.
Among the officials who accompanied the minister were Ernakulam MLA TJ Vinod, Kochi Mayor M Anil Kumar, KSRTC Executive Engineer Sharaf Muhammad, PWD Buildings Assistant Executive Engineer Binu KR, KSRTC Assistant Engineer Lekha, Assistant Transport Officer A. Ajith, and General Controlling Inspector Antony Varghese.