The Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bus Terminal (BSABT) at Baramunda in Bhubaneswar is embarking on a major transformation, evolving from a key transport node into a vibrant integrated business and technology hub. This strategic move is set to redefine urban infrastructure in Odisha's capital.
From Transit Point to Multi-Service Hub
The significant development was officially announced by Housing and Urban Development Minister and Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) Chairman, Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, during a function held at the terminal on Tuesday. The event involved handing over keys to shop beneficiaries, marking a new chapter for the facility.
The BDA, which manages the terminal, has decided to lease out approximately 60,000 square feet of space across two floors to the Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC). The OCAC will subsequently allocate this premium space to Information Technology and IT-enabled Services (ITeS) companies. This initiative aims to seamlessly integrate transport, commercial services, and technology under a single roof.
Boosting Footfall and Business for Vendors
Minister Mahapatra emphasized that the entry of IT firms would add a new dimension to the terminal's purpose, extending its role far beyond mere transportation. He also referenced Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's earlier announcement about establishing a Global Visa Application Centre at the BSABT, further solidifying its multi-service character.
"With IT companies also functioning from the terminal, the overall activity and footfall will increase substantially," Mahapatra stated. "This will create a vibrant atmosphere and ensure that the business of small vendors provided with shops flourishes in the days to come." This sentiment was echoed by BDA Vice-Chairman Chanchal Rana, who highlighted that the move is expected to significantly boost daily visitor numbers, directly benefiting the vendors operating inside.
Rana noted that vendors who previously operated from outside the old bus terminal have now been provided with modern, air-conditioned shops within the new state-of-the-art facility.
Foundation of a Modern Infrastructure Landmark
The transformation builds upon a structured foundation. In September, the BDA conducted a lottery to allot 112 shops at the BSABT on a monthly rental basis. The beneficiaries were carefully selected following a survey conducted by the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC), which formerly managed the old Baramunda bus terminal.
Spread over an impressive 11 acres, the BSABT is Odisha's largest bus terminal. It currently handles over 1,500 buses and facilitates nearly 20,000 passengers daily on both inter-state and intra-state routes. The terminal is already equipped with modern amenities including lifts, escalators, and other allied facilities, setting a high standard for public infrastructure.
City-based urban planner Dipu Nanda commended the development, stating, "The Baramunda ISBT is indeed one-of-its-kind facility in Bhubaneswar. It sets the face and identity of the city before visitors. The authorities are rightly adding more services here." This expansion positions the BSABT not just as a transit point, but as a dynamic economic and social catalyst for the entire region.
