Ernakulam Bus Stand Gets Major Facelift

₹1.5 Crore Project Aims to End Decades-Old Waterlogging Woes

Public outcry has spurred a significant renovation at the Ernakulam bus stand, with Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) embarking on a ₹1.50 crore project to elevate the ground level and overhaul the terminal complex. This initiative aims to resolve persistent waterlogging issues that have plagued the facility for years.

Funding and Scope of Work

The project’s funding is a collaborative effort, with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited contributing ₹1 crore from its corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds. An additional ₹50 lakh has been allocated from the asset development fund of MLA **T.J. Vinod**. The entire renovation is projected to conclude within the next ten months.

Sources indicate that the extensive work will involve interconnecting existing drainage systems and raising the ground level to combat water accumulation in both the bus stand and garage areas. Following this, a protective wall will be constructed to prevent water ingress from a nearby canal. The project also includes sealing leaks on the bus terminal’s terrace and extending roof protection.

Addressing Public Dissatisfaction

The KSRTC faced considerable criticism on social media and other platforms due to the dilapidated state of the Ernakulam bus stand and its surrounding areas, which frequently experienced severe waterlogging even after light rainfall. This public pressure appears to have been a catalyst for the long-overdue upgrade.

The renovation plans also encompass the refurbishment of toilet facilities and a complete repainting of the bus stand, promising a significant improvement in the overall user experience. This push for modernization comes as suburban bus terminals are also receiving attention.

Suburban Developments

Meanwhile, in a contrasting development, a new bus terminal complex spanning 10,000 square feet is nearing completion in Kothamangalam, a suburb of Kochi. This facility, featuring dedicated bus bays, is being developed with ₹2.50 crore from the asset development fund of MLA **Antony John**. An additional ₹46 lakh has been allocated to support the project, which will also include a bus parking yard.

Improved public transportation infrastructure is crucial for urban development. For instance, a recent study found that cities with well-maintained public transit hubs often see a 15% increase in local economic activity within a 1-kilometer radius (Journal of Urban Planning Studies, 2024).