All major bus stands in the state will soon get a makeover as per Housing and Urban Development Minister Pratap Jena. The bus stands will be redeveloped with modern facilities including shopping malls, restaurants, and cafeteria. “If the bus stands have enough land, the Government will also set up multiplexes,” said the Minister at a workshop on ‘Sustainable Public Transport for Odisha’ conducted in the state capital.
Jena said that 10 bus stands will be taken up each year and the aim will be to eventually modernize important bus stands across Odisha. He also confirmed that the Government has sanctioned around 160 crores for the redevelopment of the Baramunda bus stand.
The Minister has also vowed to expand the existing fleet of the successful Mo Bus. “We have decided to introduce 189 more new and renovated buses to the existing fleet of Mo Bus this year in a phased manner. Of these, 50 will be electric buses which will be introduced within the next six months to encourage eco-friendly public transport system and reduce carbon footprints,” he said.
The Mo Bus scheme has received much praise from all stakeholders since its launch. CRUT MD Arun Bothra believes the ridership of Mo Bus, which has already surpassed the 1 lakh per day mark, is expected to touch 1.5 lakh in the next few months.