Kochi faces a significant setback in its public transport infrastructure development. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has announced a major downsizing of its prestigious bus terminal project in Ernakulam. Financial constraints have forced this drastic reduction in scope and scale.
Project Cost Slashed by Half
The ambitious project has seen its estimated cost plummet from Rs 27 crore to just Rs 13 crore. This substantial reduction comes directly from a severe fund crunch affecting the state transport corporation. Officials confirmed the revised budget during recent discussions in Thiruvananthapuram.
Design Changes and Facility Reductions
Significant design alterations accompany the budget cuts. The Public Works Department (PWD) buildings division has completely reworked the terminal's structure. Originally planned with 33 bus bays, the new design accommodates only 22 bays.
Perhaps most notably, the proposed two-storey administrative building has been abandoned entirely. Instead, planners now propose a single-storey structure for housing administration offices and passenger facilities.
Current Terminal Conditions
The existing KSRTC bus stand near Karikkamuri has deteriorated significantly over recent years. Passengers regularly complain about poor washroom facilities, inadequate resting areas, and generally unhygienic premises. These conditions have created substantial difficulties for daily commuters.
Meanwhile, renovation work on the current terminal continues at a brisk pace. Officials expect completion by mid-February, with tile paving around the building already progressing well.
Historical Context and Previous Delays
Ernakulam's KSRTC bus stand holds historical significance, having opened on November 1, 1968 - Kerala Formation Day. It was once celebrated as the country's largest bus stand. However, modernization plans have faced repeated obstacles.
Government and KSRTC officials have discussed constructing a new terminal for three years. Multiple funding and implementation issues have caused continuous delays. Initially, Cochin Smart Mission Ltd (CSML) promised project funding but later withdrew citing technical approval problems.
Subsequently, Vyttila Mobility Hub Society (VMHS) received responsibility for terminal construction. A land ownership dispute between KSRTC and VMHS at Karikkamuri then stalled progress completely.
Official Statements and Future Steps
MLA T J Vinod provided details about recent developments. "Last week's meeting in Thiruvananthapuram focused on implementing the KSRTC new terminal project," he explained. "The finance minister agreed to provide Rs 13 crore for constructing a new building. Consequently, PWD received instructions to rework the design and reduce estimated costs."
A PWD official directly involved with the project confirmed the changes. "Financial constraints necessitated cost reductions," the official stated. "These cuts naturally led to decreased facilities. We originally planned 33 bus bays and a two-storey building for administration and passenger amenities. Now we must settle for 22 bays and a single-storey administrative block."
The PWD buildings division will now submit the revised design and estimate for government approval. This marks another chapter in the long, complicated history of upgrading Ernakulam's crucial transportation hub.
