Three mega bus terminals are planned to be developed in state capital Ranchi to bring them at par with national standards.

The plan made in accordance with the directive of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren is being executed by State Urban Development and Housing Ministry.

The Urban Development Department has approved a budget of ₹48.72 crore fore renovation and redevelopment projects of ITI Bus Stand (Ratu Road), Government Bus Depot (Station Road), and Birsa Munda Bus Terminal at Khadgarha.

A total of ₹24.77 crore has been allocated for ITI Bus Stand, ₹20.19 crore for Government Bus Depot, and ₹3.76 crore for Birsa Munda Bus Terminal.

The Urban Development Department’s Jharkhand Urban Infrastructure Development Company (JUIDCO) is learnt to be expediting the process of tendering and start construction promptly, to ensure that once completed, these terminals meet national standards and offer passengers enhanced safety, cleanliness, and modern amenities.

The ITI Bus Stand will be redeveloped on a 3-acre site with a 2,330 square metre ground floor and an 880 square metre first floor.

In all, 13 bus bays, standby parking for 35 buses, driver canteen, maintenance shed, guard room, sliding gates, air-conditioned waiting area, car and e-rickshaw parking... will be provided. Daily operations are expected to accommodate 416 buses,it is learnt.

The Government Bus Depot, built between 1962 and 1970 and now in a dilapidated condition, will be reconstructed according to Indian Road Congress standards at a cost of ₹20.19 crore," it informed.

The new building will include facilities such as a guard room, maintenance area, canteen, dormitories, waiting halls, food kiosks, cafeteria and transportation management office, with daily operations projected at 512 buses through eight bays, the release said.

The Birsa Munda Bus Terminal at Khadgarha will be refurbished within the existing structure, a senior urban development department official said.

He said,”spread over 11.6 acres, the land will feature 31 bus bays, parking for 89 buses and 70 cars, smart sheds, a 50-bed dormitory, restrooms, bathing facilities, guesthouse, high mast lighting, boundary wall, enhanced women's safety arrangements and waterproofed terrace areas.”

"Once completed, these projects aim to make Ranchi's bus terminals modern, attractive, and on par with national model standards, providing commuters with a superior travel experience," he said.