Berhampur Inaugurates Temporary Bus Stand to Accelerate Overbridge Construction
In a strategic move to address urban congestion, a temporary bus stand was officially inaugurated on Wednesday near Duduma Colony in Berhampur. The facility, developed by the Berhampur Development Authority (BeDA), spans approximately 4 acres of land and aims to streamline traffic flow during critical infrastructure work.
Key Officials and Purpose
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, with notable attendees including Berhampur MLA K. Anil Kumar and Ganjam Collector V. Keerthi Vasan. The primary objective of this temporary bus stand is to hasten the construction of the ongoing overbridge at Gate Bazar, one of the city's busiest and most congested areas.
Traffic Diversion Strategy: Buses arriving from Aska and Digapahandi will now halt at the Duduma Colony temporary bus stand, preventing them from entering the city center. Passengers disembarking at this location will need to utilize auto-rickshaws to reach various parts of Berhampur, a measure designed to reduce vehicular pressure in the Gate Bazar vicinity.
Infrastructure Details and Development
City Engineer Manoj Patra revealed that the temporary bus stand was constructed at an estimated cost of around Rs 1.50 crore. Plans are already in place to expand the facility with an additional investment of Rs 2 crore, underscoring the administration's commitment to this interim solution. The current setup includes a 150-foot-long shed, a toilet complex, round-the-clock water supply, comprehensive lighting arrangements, and two ticket counters.
The land for this project was leased from the state government-owned Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited for a period of two years. This decision was necessitated by the sluggish progress of the overbridge work, which has been hampered by heavy traffic in the area. By diverting buses, authorities hope to create a more conducive environment for construction activities.
Overbridge Project Overview
The overbridge at Gate Bazar, with an estimated cost of around Rs 71 crore, commenced construction in October of last year. Once completed, it will stretch 1,135 meters in length and 22 meters in width, featuring 5.5-meter service roads on both sides and an integrated drainage system. This is a significant upgrade from the current 14-meter width of Gate Bazar.
Minister Jena has directed the district administration to expedite land acquisition processes to ensure timely completion of the overbridge. Upon completion, the flyover is expected to alleviate chronic traffic snarls at Gate Bazar square, where five roads converge, including NH-59, which currently suffers from frequent congestion due to high traffic volumes.
Broader Implications
This temporary bus stand represents a proactive approach to urban planning and infrastructure development in Berhampur. By temporarily rerouting public transport, the administration aims to minimize disruptions while accelerating a project that promises long-term benefits for the city's traffic management. The initiative highlights the collaborative efforts between local authorities and state agencies to address pressing civic challenges.
