An artist’s impression of the proposed bus terminus in Sambalpur. Telegraph picture

Sambalpur, Aug. 23: The modern bus terminus, which is being developed at Ainthapali of the city, is expected to be operational by February 2015.

Sambalpur district collector Balwant Singh said the construction of the boundary wall had already been completed. Moreover, the 11KV transmission line, which was there on the land, has been shifted. The Sambalpur Development Authority has approved the layout plan of the proposed modern bus terminus. The construction of the main bus stand building has been over up to the plinth level.

Parking facility for the bus and autorickshaw, multi-purpose booking counter, administrative building, kiosks, food court, solar light arrangement and many more public amenities will be available in the terminus. Of the total 21,375sqmt area, 64,12.20sqmt will be reserved for bus parking, and 1,099.31sqmt will be used for the parking of autorickshaws and taxis. The project has been estimated at Rs 13 crore.

The modern bus terminus, which is under construction now, is being developed on 5.28 acres along the NH-6 at Ainthapali. The construction began after the private bus stand of the city, which used to operate from there, was shifted to a new location for a temporary period in January.

The private bus stand of the city had been operational on that piece of land since 1998. However, the bus stand was devoid of the basic facilities for commuters. Residents had also been demanding a modern bus terminus for long.

Bhushan Power and Steel Limited has been given the responsibility to develop the terminus. “A modern bus terminus with all the basic amenities for the passenger was a need of Sambalpur city. Thousands of passengers depend on Sambalpur bus stand. Moreover, hundreds of buses also pass through the city. The passengers and the bus owners will be benefited after the terminus becomes operational,” said local resident Kishore Dehury.