The inter-state bus terminal (ISBT) located at Kumedi in Indore, designed to facilitate bus services on northern routes, is expected to become operational within the next month. The Indore Development Authority (IDA) board has appointed a Pune-based company for the operation and maintenance of the ISBT, ending a prolonged deadlock that had kept the terminal non-functional for nearly 18 months due to the absence of a managing agency. Previous efforts to appoint an operator had failed either because no bidders came forward or they could not meet technical requirements.
State-of-the-Art Transit Hub
Built by IDA, the fully air-conditioned Kumedi ISBT is a state-of-the-art transit hub primarily catering to northern and western long-distance routes, connecting Indore to cities such as Ujjain, Ratlam, Bhopal, Delhi, and various destinations in Rajasthan.
Key Features
- Capacity: Can handle 1,440 buses daily and approximately 80,000 passengers annually.
- Infrastructure: Features 32 dedicated boarding and de-boarding bays and 14 fully air-conditioned ticket counters.
- Parking: Extensive parking lots for two-wheelers and four-wheelers.
Connectivity and Benefits
A major highlight is the direct integration with the Indore Metro network, ensuring seamless multimodal transit connectivity for passengers. IDA CEO Parikshit Zade stated that commercial operations are expected to commence within the next month. "The activation of this terminal will significantly reduce traffic congestion within the city area. It will also serve as a vital hub for pilgrims during the upcoming Simhastha in Ujjain," Zade said.
