Hanmakonda bus stop would soon acquire an ultra-modern look

The old-fashioned Hanamkonda bus stand that was constructed 40 years ago would soon acquire an ultra-modern look resembling a mini airport, thanks to the Smart City project under way in the city.

As part of the project, the district administration has decided to allocate ?80 crore from the Central funding to transform the bus stand into a multi-purpose centre consisting of a huge shopping complex and multiplex among other facilities.Telangana State Road Transport Corporation regional manager T. Ravi Kiran said proposals are being prepared based on the fund allocation.The plan envisages construction of 30 to 60 bus bays, first floor consisting of RTC offices with the second and third floors dedicated to a shopping complex as well as a multiplex.

The existing bus stand is unable to cater to the growing needs of passengers. On an average, as many as 1,554 buses operate from here carrying more than 60,000 passengers. Much of the premises and buildings have outlived their usefulness.Mr Ravi Kiran said if more funds are dedicated to the RTC under the Smart City project, they would develop the entire RTC premises that includes two bus depots adjoining the Hanamkonda bus stand spread over 13 acres.

For now, the district administration has set aside ?80 crore for renovation of Hanamkonda bus stand alone. The plan envisages creating facilities in view of requirements for the next 30 years.Speaking to The Hindu, District Collector Prasanth Jeevan Patil said he along with the RTC, municipal and other department officials have gone around the city inspecting the ongoing works of Smart City project. “The project is in full swing and RTC to will get its share of development funds. The existing Hanamkonda bus stand will get a facelift,” he said.

The operations would be temporarily shifted to Hayagreevachary compound in Balasamudram to facilitate civil works at the bus stand, Mr. Ravi Kiran added.