Bus terminals, logistic parks proposed

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority has zeroed in on four Inter City Bus Terminals (ICBT) and five logistic parks at six locations including Shamshabad, Miyapur, Manoharabad, Patancheru, Shameerpet and Aushapur. 

The ICBT would strengthen the public transport system and release pressure on city roads while the logistic parks would generate employment opportunities for unemployed youth living in peripheral areas in Greater Hyderabad region. The HMDA has invited tenders to rope in transaction advisors to submit a detailed project report with estimated budgets.

The proposed ICBTs will provide one-stop integrated facilities to passengers, public and private bus operators and their staff and also cater to interstate bus services. The project would provide better infrastructure and modern facilities to commuters and bus operators. It has been proposed to operate and maintain a per-determined quality standard, rendering cost-effective services to users.

Officials said the logistic parks would be one-stop facilities for freight operators, third-party logistic service providers, cargo firms, truck drivers and also have warehousing and parking facilities keeping in mind the rising demand for freight logistics. These have been proposed in areas close to Outer Ring Road especially for vehicles coming from other states.

Currently, there are no dedicated logistic parks for freight services providers in the city and there is only one makeshift logistic park at Kukatpally on HMDA land. The proposed logistic parks will not only relieve traffic congestion in the core city, but also provide employment. Once operational, heavy transport vehicles need not come into the city and traders can carry the material to their areas with the help of mini vehicles.

A senior HMDA official said that the authority had already invited tenders to finalise transaction advisor-cum-technical consultants. 

He said that once the HMDA finalises the tender, the transaction advisor has to submit DPR with budget estimates in two months. The official said that the ICBT will come up in 30 acres at Miyapur, Manoharabad, Pedda Amberpet and Shameerpet. 

“Under ICBTs, the HMDA would set up bus stops for every 50,000 passengers, which will be suggested to the finalised consultant. The entire project has been designed to enhance connectivity and release pressure on roads,” the official added.