Patna : Bihar has finalised designs for five-storey modern bus terminals in nine cities, paving the way for the next stage of the project.
The designs were approved at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit. According to the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation (BSRTC), the first phase covers Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Biharsharif, Rajgir, Darbhanga, Purnia, Motihari, Tarapur and Munger.
With the designs approved, the next step will be preparation of the Request for Proposal (RFP), following which the construction process is expected to begin.
AC Waiting Rooms, Digital Displays And EV Charging
The proposed terminals are being designed as modern passenger facilities with a range of amenities.
Passengers will have access to air-conditioned waiting rooms, digital display information systems, drinking water, modern toilets and passenger assistance centres. The terminals will also provide parking and security arrangements.
Special facilities are planned for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Other proposed amenities include ATMs, Didi Ki Rasoi outlets and electric vehicle charging stations.
Bus Parking And Workshops On Ground Floor
The five-storey terminals will combine transport operations with commercial and passenger facilities.
The ground floor will be used for bus parking and workshops. The upper floors are planned to accommodate BSRTC offices, cafeterias, shops and both AC and non-AC waiting rooms.
The buildings will also include dormitories for bus drivers and conductors, guest rooms, women’s feeding rooms, banquet halls, shopping complexes, hotels and entertainment zones.
31 Cities Identified For Multi-Modal Hubs
The broader project aims to develop multi-modal bus hubs in 31 important cities across Bihar.
The identified locations include Patna, Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Purnia, Darbhanga, Munger, Jamui, Nawada, Saharsa, Paliganj, Laheriasarai, Madhubani, Kishanganj, Motihari, Chhapra, Sultanganj, Naubatpur, Barbigha, Mokama, Chakai, Sitamarhi, Biharsharif, Aurangabad, Ara, Jehanabad, Sangrampur, Tarapur and Rajgir.
The nine cities whose designs have now been approved are part of the first phase of the project.
Private Partners To Handle Construction And Maintenance
Under the proposed model, BSRTC will provide the land, while private partners will be responsible for construction and maintenance.
The terminals are planned as multi-modal hubs rather than conventional bus depots, combining bus services with passenger amenities and commercial facilities.
The project is also expected to create local employment opportunities through the operation of shops, hotels, food outlets and other commercial facilities within the terminals.
RFP Preparation Next
With the designs now approved for the nine first-phase locations, authorities will move towards preparing the RFP for private participation.
The proposed terminals are intended to modernise bus infrastructure in Bihar while providing passengers with improved waiting, parking, information and other support facilities.
