Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday informed that a whopping Rs 180 crores will be spent for the construction of the much-awaited Interstate Bus Terminal (ISBT) at Baramunda in Bhubaneswar.
After reviewing the progress of the project, Patnaik said that there are plans to complete all the pending works of the project in next one-and-half year.
“It is estimated that the new ISBT will cost about Rs 180 crore and is expected to be completed in 18 months. Its design is beautiful and it will be a new landmark in Bhubaneswar,” said Patnaik.
Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner, Premchandra Chaudhary informed that the interstate bus terminal has three components. Out of which, the bus deport of Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) has been completed and will be made operational soon.
“Under the ISBT project, the excavation of the basement has been complete and the floor casting will begin shortly. The entire project will cost around Rs 180 crore and we target to complete it within 18 months,” said Chaudhary.
He further informed that the total capacity of the ISBT is to accommodate over 200 buses. Besides, a dedicated provision for parking of idle buses is also planned in 9 acres of land. Nearly, 550 buses can be accommodated at the parking lot.
“As the bus stand is non-functional, the livelihood of several traders has been affected. But once the project is complete, the traders will be rehabilitated. The ISBT will have all the modern day amenities for passengers,” the BMC Commissioner added.
(Edited By Suryakant Jena)