KOTTAYAM: Indefinite delay in the construction of new KSRTC bus terminal-cum-shopping complex has put commuters in misery.
The construction work started in December 2014 is not even halfway through and has come to a standstill.
The total cost of the bus terminal was estimated at Rs 33.5 crore . The project was to be implemented on the 4.8-acre land in the heart of the town after demolishing the 48-year-old building.
The plan had a bus terminal, a garage block which can accommodate 23 buses, 24 bus bays, platforms, shops, restrooms for passengers, police aid post, escalators, waste treatment plant. There were also facilities planned for four and two-wheeler parking.
“Majority of the buildings, mostly workshop facilities, were demolished in the beginning itself and no proper maintenance was done for the rest of the buildings. This has put the public into more misery as the utility services such as toilets, canteen and waiting rooms are now unhygienic and are not fit for use. The condition will worsen once the rains start,” said Somy Xavier, a regular commuter.
According to district transport officer, the work has come to a halt on the issue of land excavation and removal of mud from the construction site.
“We have requested the mining and geology department for taking earth without paying the royalty amount since we are using the earth removed from here to fill the low-lying depots in the region,” he said.
“We will resume work once we get papers from the department,” the officer said.
Thomas Lukose, a staff of the depot, said that the engineering wing of the depot is also facing several issues as the newly-constructed garage has the capacity to park only six buses.
The two-storied building with the workshop on ground floor, toilets and stay rooms for staff is the only building completed as part of the project. This was completed using Rs 3 crore from the MLA fund.
“Now, the completion of the remaining work depends on attaining MP funds and own fund of KSRTC, which is very unlikely to get,” said Lukose.
