Kerala Government Approves First Phase of Modern KSRTC Bus Terminal in Kochi
The Kerala state government has officially granted administrative sanction for the construction of the first phase of a new KSRTC bus terminal at Karikkamuri in Kochi. This significant infrastructure project, earmarked with Rs 13 crore, is set to replace the existing bus depot, which has long been criticized for its poor condition.
Project Details and Funding
The steel-structure terminal will be built on a 3.46-acre plot, with authorities currently awaiting technical sanction to proceed. The initiative gained momentum after T J Vinod, MLA, repeatedly highlighted the deplorable state of the current bus depot in the assembly through submissions and attention motions. His efforts led to transport minister K B Ganesh Kumar conducting an inspection in June 2024, and Vinod later met with the finance minister to secure the necessary funds, overcoming technical hurdles to obtain the Rs 13 crore approval.
Facilities and Design Features
The new depot will feature a bus bay covering 465.5 square meters, a spacious steel-structured roof, and modern seating facilities. A 472-square-meter building will house staff offices, an air-conditioned waiting hall, reservation counters, and restrooms, all designed with future expansion in mind. The 6,198-square-meter yard will be elevated using heavy-duty paver blocks, and a new 300-meter drainage system will provide a permanent solution to flooding issues.
Infrastructure and Safety Measures
The first phase includes a 15,000-liter underground water tank, fire-fighting systems, and electrical work costing Rs 44 lakh. For building stability, pile foundations ranging from 19 to 33 meters deep are proposed. Additionally, Rs 25 lakh has been allocated for electronic systems to enhance operational efficiency.
Execution and Timeline
The project will be executed under the supervision of the public works department. MLA T J Vinod has assured that steps will be taken to complete the construction swiftly and open the terminal to the public, marking a major upgrade in Kochi's public transport infrastructure.
