KOCHI: The KSRTC bus stand at Ernakulam Boat Jetty is all set for an image makeover. With plans to renovate it in the likes of the KSRTC bus stand at Angamaly which boasts of being hi-tech, the once neglected stand is soon expected to become a beehive of activity. According to KSRTC Managing Director Mohan Lal, the decision to develop the station was taken seeing the remuneration potential of the stand. “Since the stand is located at a nice and easily accessible location, we have decided to renovate the stand so that more buses can start services from there. Once developed, the stand is expected to bring in a huge financial bonus for KSRTC,” he added.Lal also said that one of the major plans is the development of a shopping complex at the bus stand. “The old buildings will be destroyed to pave way for larger and better buildings. Enquiry rooms, rest rooms and board displays will be set up,” he said.Along with this, there are also plans to widen the drive-ins and the walkways. Also, large waiting rooms will be developed so as to make the stand more people friendly. “We have set a deadline of an year to renovate the stand. This will go hand in hand with the development of Thevara Thiru Kochi Hub which is under development. We hope to finish both the projects at the same time,” he said. Employees at the stand find this initiative to be a blessing. “At present, there is not even a urinal for either the employees or the passengers. To add to the passenger woes, there is no place to make an inquiry for bus timings. Most of the employees have purchased their own phones and have lent out their numbers to the public who wish to know the timings,” said Roy, a station master at the stand.According to the officials, the development of this stand will also help to reduce traffic at major areas. “At present, majority of the KSRTC and Thiru Kochi buses ply through the KSRTC bus stand from Ernakulam South. This is causing huge traffic blocks at the moment,” said another official.
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