The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is set to breathe new life into a long-stalled infrastructure project in the state capital. The corporation will issue an e-tender this month for the development of a major interstate bus terminal and commercial complex at Enchakkal in Thiruvananthapuram.
Project Revival After Delays
This ambitious venture, which had previously hit roadblocks due to procedural issues and a lack of bidder interest, is now back on track. KSRTC Chairman and Managing Director Pramoj Shankar confirmed the renewed push, stating it aligns with the corporation's strategy to monetize its valuable land holdings while simultaneously upgrading commuter facilities. Land monetisation is now KSRTC's prime policy and Enchakkal, being in the state capital, is a priority, Shankar told TOI.
He expressed hope that construction could commence by April, following the completion of tender formalities. The project will be executed on a design, build, finance, operate, and transfer (DBFOT) basis under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
Site Clearance and Project Timeline
A significant immediate hurdle is preparing the designated 5.79-acre plot, which is currently cluttered with debris and seized or abandoned vehicles. This has hampered preparatory works. KSRTC wrote to the Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) two weeks ago requesting site clearance. Last year, the MVD faced challenges in relocating these vehicles due to the unavailability of an alternate dumping ground.
Shankar has now issued a two-month ultimatum to regional transport officers to expedite the removal of vehicles. We need the ground cleared or the project execution timeline will be affected, he emphasized. He also noted that a portion of the land is required by the state government for setting up a Hydrogen Valley project, and discussions regarding the land allotment are ongoing.
The re-tendering process is expected to take at least two months, encompassing bid submission, technical evaluations, and contract finalization. Once a bidder is selected, they will undertake the terminal's design and construction, which is slated for completion within 24 months from the start date.
Features and Broader Impact
Modeled on the lines of Kochi's Vyttila Mobility Hub, the Enchakkal terminal is designed to be a state-of-the-art, integrated facility. Its key features include:
- Six bays to accommodate 30 buses and parking space for 60 buses.
- Passenger amenities like ticket counters, waiting lounges, CCTV surveillance, a cloakroom, dormitories, and a staff canteen.
- Plans for installing solar panels on the rooftop in later phases.
The terminal is expected to significantly enhance interstate and intrastate bus operations, provide superior passenger facilities, and catalyze local economic activity through the development of retail, office, and hospitality spaces within the complex. The selected concessionaire will be permitted to collect fees and commercial revenue during the operational period, after which the asset will revert to KSRTC.
The project's revival, earlier advocated by local leaders including former transport minister Antony Raju, coincides with KSRTC's broader efforts to achieve operational sustainability. Upon completion, the state government is likely to shift long-distance bus services operating from the existing bus depot to this new terminal.
