The state government has taken up a project to revamp the Geeta Mandir and Subhash Bridge bus stations, converting them into model bus stations at a cost of Rs365 crore. The two bus stands will be developed by the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) through the public-private partnership (PPP) model, on a build, operate and transfer (BOT) basis.
The state government has already completed the bidding process for the project and the names of the company to execute the same will be announced within a week. “The first bidder, Parshwananth Builders, had failed to submit the bank guarantee for the project. So, it is likely that the next bidder, Akruti Builders, will be offered the project soon,” a source close to the development said.
The estimated cost of development of the Geeta Mandir and Subhash Mandir bus stands is Rs285 crore and Rs85 crore, respectively, the source said. “New terminals and commercial facilities will be developed at both bus stands. An area will also be developed for the convenience of passengers, with air-conditioned waiting rooms and deluxe residential facilities for short stays. Banks, post offices and other similar facilities will also be developed at the bus stands,” the source said.
The private developer will be allowed to collect user charges for the commercial facilities, parking fees as well as advertising charges. “The company will be allowed to collect a one-time lease premium for the commercial facilities,” the source said.
The source further said that the developer will be responsible for periodic maintenance of the bus terminals and the commercial facilities. “An MIS system for monitoring the activities at the bus terminals will be introduced,” he said. Moreover, the central state office of the GSRTC will be shifted from Geeta Mandir to Subhash Bridge, and the space at the former will be used for the new terminal.
“The project had been planned earlier, but had been delayed because of some technical issues regarding the bidders. These issues were resolved by a high-level project implementation committee, and the state government has agreed on new terms and conditions. The formal contract with the bidder will be ready within a week. The company has to complete the next terminals within 18 months and the commercial facilities within four years,” the source said.
The state government will also sign contracts with various private firms for developing four other bus stands at Mehsana, Surat and Vadodara, the source said.
Comments