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First ISBT on BOT basis inaugurated
PM News Bureau
Uttaranchal Chief Minister N.D. Tiwari recently inaugurated the ambitious Rs 18 crore Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) project at Dehradun. The CM had laid the foundation stone of the project on Independence Day last year and the project was completed in 10 months. The timely completion of the project may act as a catalyst for similar projects planned elsewhere in the state. An ISBT has already been planned in Haridwar and land for the project has been identified. Further, the state Forest Department has released 10 hectares of land for an ISBT in Rishikesh. If all goes well, the ISBT should be ready by next year.
The Dehradun ISBT is unique in the sense that it is the first ISBT in the country to be operated on BOT basis. The ISBT will be run through a joint venture entered into between MDDA and the Ramky Group. The project was planned and conceived by MDDA, which will receive Rs 30 crore as revenue over the period of BOT, that is, 20 years. MDDA has not incurred any expenditure on the project.
The ISBT has 50 boarding bays, 40 idle parking bays, 30 bays for local buses and separate disembarkment bays. The ISBT has separate entrance for public and buses. The terminal also has a separate local bus terminal and a spacious parking facility for private vehicles, taxis and autos. The terminal has built keeping in mind the city's traffic requirements over next 30 years. AC and non-AC lounges, 32 shops and 24 kiosks, ATM, STD booths, restaurants and 24-hour security are some of the features provided by the terminal. The terminal has installed software to control movement that will allocate bays for buses and also provide information about schedules, destinations etc.
First ISBT on BOT basis inaugurated
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