Thiruvananthapuram: The state govt is set to turn KSRTC’s land at Enchakkal into a major long-distance and interstate bus hub for the capital, bringing KSRTC’s interstate services and private long-distance and interstate buses under one roof. The transport department is fast-tracking the project to ease pressure on Thampanoor and create a modern hub closer to NH 66.Transport minister and local legislator CP John told TOI the govt was prioritising the Enchakkal project. “The project is being taken forward on a fast track. Our aim is to develop Enchakkal as a major hub for long-distance and interstate bus services and make it operational as early as possible,” John said.Govt Engineering College, Barton Hill, has been entrusted with drawing up the terminal’s designs, and the transport department is awaiting them. Once the drawings and detailed project report (DPR) are finalised, the govt plans to move ahead. Cabinet approval is also expected soon.Including private operators is a key part of the revised proposal, aimed mainly at the persistent parking and traffic problems they cause at Thampanoor. Many private long-distance buses now rely on roadside parking and boarding in and around Thampanoor, clogging traffic as they wait for passengers or prepare for trips. Moving them to Enchakkal would give them dedicated parking and operational space and reduce the number of long-distance buses on city-centre roads. The govt would also earn rent and daily revenue from the operators.For KSRTC, the hub would provide parking and operational infrastructure for long-distance and interstate services, giving travellers bound for Bengaluru, Chennai and other destinations in Kerala and neighbouring states a single hub. Passengers from the city’s northern parts and those working in and around Technopark could board long-distance buses at Enchakkal instead of travelling to Thampanoor.Preliminary work has progressed on the nearly 5.5-acre KSRTC property, and land-clearing is under way. An earlier plan to build a commercial complex-cum-bus terminal through KIIFCON has been dropped in favour of a modern long-distance bus terminal and transport hub.John denied reports that KSRTC would get a separate terminal in the Anayara-Kochuveli area and Enchakkal would serve only private buses. KSRTC’s long-distance and interstate services and private long-distance buses are proposed to be housed at Enchakkal, he said.The govt is also examining a public-private partnership or sponsorship model. The final project cost and infrastructure components will be worked out once the drawings and DPR are ready.
