New Delhi: Delhi govt will repurpose old buses beyond their operational life as retail shops at the inter-state bus terminals at Kashmere Gate, Anand Vihar and Sarai Kale Khan. The public-private partnership (PPP) model aims to boost local business opportunities and make creative use of defunct vehicles, with the refurbished stationary buses being used by vendors.
The move aims to provide better snack facilities at the transport hubs at Kashmere Gate, Anand Vihar and Sarai Kale Khan, keeping in mind the lack of eating and drinking areas there, especially at Anand Vihar and Sarai Kale Khan. The transport department initiated the process with a notice inviting tenders: “Establishment of shops in old DTC buses at ISBT Kashmere Gate, Anand Vihar, and Sarai Kale Khan.” As per the document, the contractor will be required to notify the municipality, police and other authorities, obtain requisite licences and pay all applicable fees and taxes. They will also have to repair any damage caused to adjoining public or private properties and maintain adequate lighting at night for safety.
Sources said that the contractor would have to ensure that water and sanitary installations complied with local municipal by-laws. To avoid any public nuisance or inconvenience, the contractor has to take all precautions to prevent damage to surrounding properties or pollution of nearby streams and roads, said sources. Sources said a temporary structure like a discarded bus is advantageous because of a major revamp planned at Delhi’s ISBTs.
As per the plan, the initial design for the upgrade of Anand Vihar and Sarai Kale Khan to multimodal hubs is ready and will feature quality facilities for travellers such as travellators, eco-friendly pathways, food courts, cloakrooms and shared waiting areas. DDA’s approval of the integrated zonal plan will be followed by the tender process, according to a govt official.
The redevelopment aligns with a transit-oriented, mixed land-use development concept aimed at integrating commercial, cultural, office, entertainment, and residential areas within the vicinity of the transport hub. This means the presence of a shopping complex, banquet facilities, budget hotels, restaurants and cafes, offices, and residences within the same space.
In the initial plans, the new structures at the two ISBTs will each span six floors, with the topmost level designed as a viewing deck. The basements will accommodate parking and the arrival section of the bus terminal, while the ground floor will have a passenger lounge. The first three floors will be departure zones, with charging bays and transport offices situated above them. Ticket ATMs are expected to streamline the ticketing process for travellers. Other amenities will include a shopping area, cloakroom, food court, and restrooms.
As per the revamp plan of Kashmere Gate ISBT, which manages more than 2,600 buses per day, technological upgrades and other facilities will raise its operational efficiency. These will include digital display boards and SMS notification systems to provide passengers with live bus tracking information and wait periods.