1.83 acres for plush bus shelter at Technopark

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In order to address the growing traffic congestion at Kazhakoottam, the information technology department has allotted 1.83 acres of land at Technopark phase I campus to Trida (Thiruvananthapuram development authority) for constructing an ultra modern bus terminal.

The plan is to construct an ultra modern bus terminal-cum-shopping space for techies with all hi-tech facilities. The bus bay construction would be completed within one year.

Trida is planning to rope in an architect to design the terminal on par with the ambience of the Technopark campus. Trida had demanded 60 cents earmarked previously for the fire and rescue services department in Technopark to facilitate the bus bay construction.

“Heavy congestion at Kazhakoottam has to be addressed and for that we should ensure that bus operations are off the road. With the construction of this new terminal we would be able to address the issue to some extent. Also it is high time that we provide a public transportation facility for Technopark employees. We have decided to appoint an architect consultant to design the bus terminal and we would also be providing commercial space in the terminal,” said Trida chairman P.K. Venugopal.

Kazhakoottam MLA M.A. Vaheed said that the bus bay alone was expected to cost around Rs 10 crores. “Trida would be constructing shopping spaces in a phased manner. We are also planning to construct a ladies hostel on this land. The plan is to construct a 11-storey structure to provide boarding for women employees,” said Mr Vaheed. He said that the project would take off immediately.

“Shopping space would be expanded as per the demand. We had requested KSRTC to start a depot but they could not start as they have nearby depots. So the bus terminal operated by Trida would be having a KSRTC station office. Only three employees would be required at a time for the bus bay to function,” Mr Vaheed added.