Bhubaneswar: With the objective to strengthen the transportation ecosystem in the State, Commerce and Transport Department has come up with a new scheme for construction and maintenance of Block level bus stands in the State.
As per a notification recently issued by the department, the scheme has been titled as ‘Construction/Renovation and Maintenance of Block Level Bus Stands’. Under the Scheme, 55 number of State-of-the-Art Bus Stands are proposed to be developed across 23 Districts.
Of which, the development work of 23 new bus stands has been completed and the same were inaugurated by Chief Minister and the remaining bus stands are in the finishing stage.
Furthermore, to maintain these assets and to improve public convenience, the district administration would engage suitable and professional Facility Management Services (FMS) organisations and Mission Shakti Self Help Groups (SHGs) to ensure the facilities that should be maintained and kept in good condition, ensuring passenger safety and comfort.
Besides, maintenance of new bus stands that were already built by the State Government at Balangir, Jeypore, Athagarh, and Motu will also be done under the scheme.
The total project cost is estimated to be approximately Rs 373.13 crore, of which, capital outlay is Rs 304.08 crore while remaining Rs 69 crore earmarked as optional cost.
The Detail Project Report (DPR) has been developed in consultation with Revenue and Disaster Management Department (R&DM), Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, Housing and Urban Development Department, Works Department, Finance Department and Odisha State Police Housing & Welfare Corporation Ltd (OSPH & WC).
Furthermore, the identification of suitable land for construction of Block level Bus Stands has been finalized on recommendation of the respective District Administration.
District Administration has involved Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) and Block functionaries at the Sub-district levels.
Since public transport is an essential demand in almost all areas of the State, the Government strives to maintain accessibility and succeeding in achieving affordable State of the art services, sources said.
The scheme would not only strengthen the public transport ecosystem but would also act as an economic centre for development of socioeconomic profile of the Blocks. For effective monitoring and enforcement, the State-level Steering Committee and State-level Executive Committee have been established, they said.
As well, the District-level Nodal Committee, Sub-divisional level Committee and Block-level Committee have been recognized and empowered for on-ground monitoring, operation and management of the assets.
This scheme will put special emphasis on building eco-friendly bus stands across the State to deliver comprehensive bus operation services in accordance with the policy framework based on a laid down procedure as decided by the Steering Committee.
Construction of bus stands in every Block is a strategic and transformational initiative that would yield a multitude of benefits that includes promoting social cohesiveness, economic growth and environmental sustainability. The magnitude of these advantages, however, is influenced by numerous variables, including the infrastructure, quality and overall development in the area.
Odisha is rich in natural and cultural attractions. Ensuring that every Block has a bus stand makes it simpler for tourists to explore the State’s diverse offerings. This can boost tourism, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth, particularly in less-visited areas. Bus Stands can become hubs for cultural exchange as people from different areas interact while traveling.
Having bus stands in every Block creates a network of infrastructure that can be used at the time of emergencies such as for quick evacuation, emergency medical transport, and the distribution of relief supplies during catastrophes like natural disasters or medical crises.
Bus stands can serve as catalysts for local economic activities. They create opportunities for businesses such as shops, restaurants, and transportation-related services, which can stimulate economic development at the Block level.
