T’puram: The proposal to develop a dedicated long-distance bus terminal at Enchakkal has gained fresh momentum, with the state govt exploring multiple funding options, including sponsorship from public sector undertakings.KSRTC and the transport department are jointly working to identify potential sponsors for the project. Public sector companies, including Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), are among those being considered for sponsorship support for the initial development of the terminal.KSRTC chairperson and managing director Pramoj Shankar said govt was keen to take forward the project and that discussions were under way with the transport department on funding and sponsorship possibilities.“The govt is taking steps to expedite the project. Initially, the terminal itself can be developed with govt funding and subsequently the terminal-cum-commercial complex can be taken up through a tender,” Shankar told TOI.Under the proposed plan, the basic bus terminal would first be constructed using govt funds. A larger terminal-cum-commercial complex could subsequently be developed through a tendering process, with the possibility of bringing in a private developer for the commercial component.The proposed facility, spread across around 5.8 acres of KSRTC land near NH 66, is primarily intended to handle long-distance and interstate services. It is expected to significantly reduce the number of such services operating from the KSRTC central bus station at Thampanoor.The terminal is proposed to have six bays capable of accommodating 30 buses, along with parking facilities for 60 buses. Construction is expected to take around 24 months from the commencement of work.The proposed amenities include ticket counters, waiting lounges, CCTV surveillance, a cloakroom, dormitories and a staff canteen. Other facilities will include parking areas, drop-and-pick-up zones, she-lodges, electric vehicle charging stations and filling stations. Solar panels are also proposed to be installed on the terminal rooftop at a later stage.KSRTC had earlier attempted to select a private partner for the project through KIIFCON, which was appointed as the project consultant and transaction adviser. A request for proposal was issued in 2024, but the process was subsequently stalled as the corporation decided to prioritise other projects.The govt now plans to establish the basic terminal infrastructure first before exploring the larger commercial component and private investment.The terminal is also expected to improve connectivity with the proposed Metro rail network, as Enchakkal is planned as the final station of the first phase of the capital’s metro project.The Enchakkal terminal proposal dates back more than two decades. It was first mooted in 2004 as a dedicated facility for long-distance services, primarily to ease pressure on the Thampanoor terminal and improve the movement of buses through the capital.
