Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has set its sights on refurbishing the IT and Dhurwa bus depots, now that it has finally managed to begin operations at the revamped Birsa Munda Inter-State Bus Terminus.
The civic body has already roped in Chadda & Associates, an architecture firm, to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the renovation of ITI bus terminus, situated at Ratu Bajara, around 10km away from the district headquarters.
As for the Dhurwa bus stand, which is under HEC, municipal commissioner Prashant Kumar has already sent a request letter to the PSU seeking a no-objection certificate to begin renovation work.
Both bus stands reek of administrative apathy even though they take care of the transport needs of a large section of the population and rake in substantial revenues for the RMC.
The ITI terminus is primarily used by around 150 buses plying between the capital, Palamau, Gumla and Lohardaga within the state and to neighbouring Chhattisgarh. The Dhurwa bus stand, around 12km from the district headquarters, is mostly used by Bihar-bound buses.
"Renovation of both the bus stands is now on our priority list after Birsa Munda Bus Terminus, which Chief minister Raghubar Das inaugurated recently," Kumar said, adding that ITI bus stand would be a mini replica of the Birsa Munda bus stand.
The Birsa Munda terminus revamp, conceived by RMC in 2012-13, was completed at a cost of Rs 15.18 crore. Spread over 72,415 sq feet, it now boasts of proper bus bays, separate parking area, AC and non-AC rooms, dormitories and washrooms.
RMC had received Rs 10 crore in 2012 for renovation of the Birsa Munda and ITI bus stands under the 13th Finance Commission.
However, the amount was not enough to revamp both the bus stands. Hence, the civic body focused only on Birsa Munda bus depot.
According to Kumar, ITI bus terminus generates an annual revenue of Rs 45 lakh for RMC. But Birsa Munda bus stand generates around Rs 1.10 crore in revenue and the civic body expects it to grow further in the coming years.
IT bus stand, awating a revamp since long, is known for its filth and lack of passenger amenities.
"There are no basic facilities like light, water, shade and toilets at the ITI bus stand. Law and order issues come up frequently too. It will be a huge relief for people if ITI depot is developed,"said Virendra Sahu, a resident of Itki near the bus depot.
