Shimla : Visitors to the popular but congested tourist resort of Shimla in Himachal Pradesh will heave a sigh of relief with the opening of brand new Inter-State Bus Stand(ISBT),Monday.
The ISBT has been built at a cost of Rs 80 crore under PPP mode by CK Constructions.It is is located at the edge of the town at Tutikandi, close to Shimla’s entry point from the plains.
The terminal was inaugurated by the state chief minister P.K.Dhuma.
The modern bus station has 11 bays at arrival level and 24 bays at departure level with dedicated doors for entry and exit of passengers for each bay.
The passenger concourse at both levels is enclosed and provided with waiting area and public conveniences.There is a modern display system by LCDs at both levels.
A police assistance booth has been set up and the ISBT is equipped with CCTV cameras for 24 hours surveillance.
There are three floors of parking to accommodate about 150 small vehicles. There is a segregation of movement of passengers,private vehicles and buses with new and dedicated drive way for private vehicles for dropping passengers.
The integrated bus terminal also has two floors of a modern shopping mall,two multiplexes and a hotel.
The HP Bus Stands Management and Development (HPBSMDA)Authority has released Rs 5.4 crore out of a total share of Rs 6 crore for the construction of the ISBT to the CK Constructions.
The private partner is responsible to build and operate the project for 17 year concession period and transfer it to the HPBSMDA on the expiry of the concession period.
CK Constructions will pay HPBSMDA annual ground lease rent of Rs 20 lakh annually in advance.
In a 20 year career published widely. He has worked for the BBC, AFP, The Statesman, IANS and the Business Standard . Known for his hard hitting writing and occasional off-beat stories. He lives in Shimla.
