7 yrs on, ISBT still awaits revamp

It has taken seven years and two governments but the Anand Vihar Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) — which is one of one busiest, and has the foulest air quality index in the Capital, is seeing no sign of redevelopment. This is because the redevelopment project is stuck as the decision on which agency should be carrying out the work is still to be made.

Since proposed, the project has missed deadlines twice so far — March 2015 and February 2016. Fresh tenders were floated for the work in 2016 by the AAP government. However, no new deadline has been set, said officials.

The makeover of the terminal catering to over 1,850 local and 945 inter-state trips would have come as a relief to thousands of commuters who use the services every day. The ISBT was established in 1993 and has been running through temporary sheds since.

The delay is contributing massively to air pollution, according to an analysis done by scientists earlier this month. They stated that this reveals poor coordination among government agencies and lack of political will.

"The project which was estimated then to cost the government over Rs 200 crores with Delhi government agreeing to pay around Rs 75 crores of the total sum will end up in cost overruns of at least double the estimated amount," a senior official said.

Earlier, the Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS) — functioning under the transport department — had prepared a design to give the place, a facelift. However, officials said that the design was rendered useless after the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) asked for more land at the terminal for its upcoming phase-III line.

Later on, the AAP government decided to hand over the work to the Public Works Department (PWD). However, the project again ran into a roadblock, as the norms for the new design were not approved by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).

"It was decided to revamp the structure as a self-sustaining model which could be build as a high rise with shops and food court on the above floors. However, the building norms for the same are still to be cleared by the DDA," the official said.

At present, the busy terminal lacks basic amenities including proper sanitation, security infrastructure, segregated entry and exits for buses and commuters, waiting lounge, cleaning and upgraded ticketing and entry systems.

The revamp work on the ISBT, which faces the NH-56, will be done on an area of 10.2 hectares. The refurbished terminal besides shopping arcade, food court, restrooms and improved infrastructure which will connect commuters to transit systems including the Delhi Metro and the Anand Vihar Railway Station.

WHAT'S IN STORE?

• The revamp on Anand Vihar ISBT, which faces NH-56, will be done on an area of 10.2 hectares.

• The refurbished terminal will connect commuters to transit systems including the Metro and Anand Vihar Railway Station, besides boasting a shopping arcade, food court, restrooms and improved infrastructure