The parking ground at the old vegetable market compound is likely to be converted into a makeshift KSRTC bus station once the construction of the shopping-cum-bus terminal complex begins at the present bus station yard, which is near to this ground.
Though talks on this are going on between KSRTC officials and the municipality, a concrete decision has not yet been taken.
According to municipal officials, if the parking ground, which is over an acre, is converted into a temporary bus station, space will also have to be provided here for office buildings and waiting rooms.
It will benefit the public as the parking ground is just a few metres away from the bus station. “Since it’s for the development of the town and as there is no alternate space, the move should be welcomed,” said a council member.
Earlier, there were talks of shifting the KSRTC bus stand temporarily to Nagambadom. But many feel that would only increase the traffic congestion in the town.
The municipality had plans for a multi-level parking plaza at the parking ground. But according to municipal sources, the project did not get government clearance.
And though talks on making this space a makeshift bus station are progressing, the municipality is currently going ahead with its plan to make it a pay-and-park ground.
Now the ground is open to all for parking free of cost. “Soon the municipal council will fix rates for parking here,” said Sunny Kalloor, municipal chairman. He also said the municipality still nursed the dream of constructing a multi-level parking plaza here, but lacked sufficient funds for it.
Source: Times Of India
