Bhubaneswar: The proposed inter-state Bus Terminus at Baramunda has hit an execution hurdle with the state government not according final approval to the project in absence of "no-objection" and other certificates.

The Bhubaneswar Development Authority's planning board, while discussing infrastructure projects in the city, found that the terminus project required no-objection certificates from the Airports Authority of India, department of environment and the fire services department.

The development authority itself has to acquire these certificates and submit those to the government, following which a final approval would be accorded and the executing agency allowed to start work. However, delays in submitting the certificates has become a stumbling block.

The tender for the terminus project was floated in March and the authorities planned to begin work by June. However, sources said the process was hanging in the balance as it could not proceed without the state government's approval.

"The matter was discussed in the meeting of planning board members and officials concerned were directed to expedite the process to acquire the no-objection and other inspection certificates. The certificates will be submitted by the first week of August," said an official of the development authority.

Several councillors of the municipal corporation also raised concerns over the delay during the civic body's monthly council meets when municipal commissioner Krishan Kumar assured them that the required certificates would be submitted and the project would get approval shortly.

The development authority came up with the final design for the project in January. The terminus over 15 acres would become a transport hub with focus on intra-city, inter-city and inter-state bus services.

The contractor's selection and finalisation of the engineering drawing for the project was supposed to be over by March, while the construction was to start by June 2018. The first phase was to be completed by April 2019, according to plans.

However, looking at the pace of execution, the project is unlikely to start anytime soon. At present, the bus stand at Baramunda is reeling from bad infrastructure with giant potholes lining the roads, bad drainage system, inadequate public amenities and scant space to park buses.

"This bus stand harms the image of the smart city. It is not ideal to have such a stand in the capital. It will create a bad impression on outsiders. I prefer to wait at bus stops because of infrastructure problems at the terminus," said Pratik Mishra, a resident of Gothapatna.