Reconstructed Rajiv Gandhi Bus Terminus in Puducherry to be inaugurated on May 2
The reconstruction of the bus terminus was taken up at a cost of around ₹34 crore under the Smart Cities Mission. The foundation of the project was laid by Chief Minister N. Rangasamy in June 2023. For facilitation of the reconstruction work by NBCC (India) Limited, a Central public sector undertaking, the Municipality had temporarily shifted bus operations to AFT ground.
'We will be inaugurating the new bus station on Friday morning and by midnight, we will close the AFT ground. Thereafter, all buses, including town buses, will be operated from the new facility. The newly constructed 31 stalls inside the bus terminus will start functioning only after some time. However, the Pondicherry Tourism Department Corporation and Ponlait will have their outlets, so that commuters can have nourishments inside the terminus,' said an official.
Around 46 buses could be parked at a time at the new bus terminus, the official said, adding that all other passenger amenities have been made available at the complex.
Future plans
The government has worked out a plan to further develop the terminus under Public Private Partnership model in the coming years. 'A tender will be floated, inviting private parties to take up additional constructions. We want to develop the terminal on similar lines of the new bus station at Kilambakkam in Chennai. The plan is to have a commercial complex, convention-cum-marriage hall, a multiplex, and a multi-level two-wheeler and car parking area,' said another official.
Unlike the Kilambakkam bus terminal, the official said the chosen private player would make the investment for the development of buildings. 'The private player will invest, design, construct, operate, and maintain the terminal, and give a share of the revenue to the Municipality,' the official said.
A frequent commuter said the government, having spent so much money on the reconstruction of the terminal, should take extra care to ensure its proper upkeep. 'The old bus stand was not properly maintained. From day one, the Municipality should concentrate on the new bus stand's proper maintenance. The presence of police should be increased so as to prevent the premises from getting misused by miscreants,' he added.
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