Swanky ISBT to make bus ride comfy

Wednesday, Feb 09, 2011




An airconditioned waiting lounge, a food court, glass lifts, a three-level underground parking lot for private cars and buses, a hotel to cater to visitors, a smooth integration with the neighbouring Metro station and a dedicated city bus network (DTC depot) - as the first stage of the renovation of the Maharana Pratap ISBT at Kashmere Gate nears completion, plans for the second stage are already under way. The entire project costs Rs 125 crore.

The good news is that phase I of the renovation is ready for completion by July-August this year. Said Ajay Pal Singh, VP (engineering) of the Delhi Integrated Multi-modal Transport System (DIMTS), "The first stage of the renovation is basically an upgrade of the ISBT, where we've segregated the arrival and departure blocks with a waiting area for commuters. We are adding a food court, glass lifts and escalators in the waiting lounge." According to Singh, the connectivity between the main road and the ISBT will be further bolstered with a continuous FOB for conflict-free entry into the ISBT. This FOB will thereafter, in phase II of the renovation project, connect to the Metro station in Kashmere Gate.

Connectivity, in fact, could be the buzzword for the renovated ISBT, as DIMTS has proposed a dedicated area for auto and taxi stands in the complex, plus an increased bus bay capacity. Later, in phase II, the underground expansion of the ISBT - down three levels - will have a dedicated parking space for over 300 cars and 800 two-wheelers besides connectivity to a neighbouring city bus stand, that is, a DTC depot.

The first phase, meanwhile, will see structural strengthening/retrofitting of the existing building against earthquakes. More importantly, there will be complete waterproofing of the departure, arrival and link/waiting blocks. Added Singh, "We are going in for improvement of the interior to give it an international look."

As part of this, basic facilities like toilets are being upgraded, while for the first time, the ISBT will have a sewage treatment plan (STP) as well as rainwater harvesting system. In the waiting lounge, a food court and restaurants will be given space alongside the ticket counter, which will be positioned right at the entry. Prominent signage, public information system, public seating as well as eco-friendly LED lighting are some other features that you will get to see by July-August this year.

That's not all. Enhanced security is a major part of the renovation, say DIMTS officials. "We have added a number of security features like CCTV and central surveillance. Also, boom barriers, metal detectors, an access control system for buses have also been introduced," said Singh. Display boards, LCD, and an updated firefighting system have also been installed.

Phase II of the project, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year, will expand the ISBT underground. Three basements are to come up, along with a hotel with a capacity for over 150 rooms opposite the entry point to the ISBT. Officials say the hotel will be a revenue generating exercise for the transport department of the Delhi government, which manages the ISBTs.

Original news source http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Swanky-ISBT-to-make-bus-ride-comfy/articleshow/7457438.cms