UP Cabinet Greenlights Major Transport Infrastructure Expansion
The Uttar Pradesh state cabinet has given its official approval for a significant expansion of the state's public transport infrastructure. In a meeting held on Tuesday, the cabinet sanctioned the development of 49 bus stations operated by the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC). These facilities will be constructed and managed under the public-private partnership (PPP) framework, specifically utilizing the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) model.
Three Key Proposals Receive Cabinet Nod
Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh confirmed that the cabinet reviewed and approved three separate proposals submitted by the transport corporation. The primary proposal centered on the development of the 49 bus stations. This initiative represents the second phase of the PPP scheme for bus station development, following the approval of 23 stations in the first phase during the previous year.
The cabinet has deliberately relaxed the terms and conditions for potential investors to stimulate greater participation in the competitive bidding process. This strategic move aims to attract more private sector involvement in the state's transport modernization efforts.
Land Allocation for New Bus Stations
The second approved proposal addresses critical land requirements for new bus station construction. In Bulandshahr district, the existing bus depot in Narora had been operating on land leased from the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), a lease that has now expired. To resolve this, the cabinet has authorized the transfer of more than 1 hectare of land belonging to the state irrigation department in Narora for the development of a new bus station.
Furthermore, responding to persistent demands from passengers, the cabinet has allocated 2 hectares of Public Works Department (PWD) land in Tulsipur, Balrampur district. This land will be transferred free of cost to the transport department to establish a well-organized bus station near the prominent Devi Patan Temple, enhancing connectivity for pilgrims and local residents.
In Hathras district's Sikandrarao tehsil, approximately 10 hectares of land in the villages of Ratanpur and Hussainpur will also be transferred without cost to the transport department for bus station development.
Modern Amenities and Economic Benefits
Minister Singh emphasized that passengers using these newly developed bus stations will enjoy access to state-of-the-art amenities, including modern shopping malls and cinema halls. The depots are planned as comprehensive economic hubs, featuring shops and food courts alongside transport facilities.
"These facilities will provide passengers with accessible, affordable, and safe transport options," stated Singh. The initiative is expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment opportunities at the local level. Additionally, the commercial activities within these transport hubs are projected to substantially increase the revenue of the state transport corporation.
This comprehensive approval marks a substantial step forward in Uttar Pradesh's efforts to modernize its public transport infrastructure, improve passenger experience, and stimulate local economic development through strategic public-private collaboration.
