If everything goes as planned, KSRTC will soon begin construction of a new bus station at Thevara to facilitate shifting of operations of Thriu-Kochi services from Ernakulam main depot. Once the stand is completed, the operations of around 40 Thiru-Kochi services will be based in Thevara.
Confirming the developments, KSRTC assistant transport officer (ATO) C Venugopal said, “We have been asked to draft a project which includes a sketch and estimate. The preliminary plan is to construct a building with basic amenities, facilities for employees and required bus bays,” he said.
Recently KSRTC general manager G Venugopal visited the premises at Thevara and asked officials to submit a detailed project report by June 15. As per the plan, the transport corporation expects to invite tenders for the renovation works by June 30.
“We plan to start the actual work by July. In August, more buses will be included in the city service fleet and hence we want to complete the work at the earliest,” he added.
The move is expected to benefit commuters in western Kochi. KSRTC’s decision to reroute long distance buses through Vytilla mobility hub (VMH) had created problems for commuters in places like Edakochi, Palluruthy, Thoppumpady and Thevara.
Earlier, barring a few services which proceeded through Aroor bypass, the remaining used to enter the city through the Thoppumpady bridge ensuring better connectivity to west Kochi.
Currently, Thiru-Kochi and other short-distance services operate from Ernakulam main depot. Long-distance buses, which begin or terminate their journey at Ernakulam, also operate from this depot.
“The main depot is already congested. It is difficult to accommodate more buses in this terminal. The new facility at Thevara will cater to only city buses,” said C Venugopal.
The ATO also said the problem of staff shortage would be addressed by June 15.
The training for about 300 temporary conductors recruited through the employment exchange will begin on Wednesday. KSRTC has also held discussions with the Kerala State Construction Corporation for speeding up the work related to levelling of land used as parking facility at Ernakulam depot.
