FCC

Centre to initiate modern bus ports to boost public transport. Here?s more!

2018-12-03

The Centre has asked states and Union Territories to develop a modern bus port that will boost public transport. The Centre will reportedly provide viability gap funding for the modern bus port, which will be equipped with a host of facilities. In a letter to transport secretaries of the states, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has reportedly asked them to set up at least one bus port each, which can act as a model for subsequent projects by the state and the union territories.

With the assistance of the MoRTH, the aim is to develop high-quality bus ports in the country. The bus ports are expected to be completed with requisite infrastructure and facilities. This will not only improve passenger comfort but also enhance and encourage public bus transportation systems. As reported, the bus port will be developed either as a greenfield or brownfield project, depending on the location suggested by the participating states is found to be suitable in the feasibility study.

In order to align it with the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), the viability gap funding by MoRTH will remain capped at 40 per cent and will be a uniform ceiling as far as funding is concerned. The MoRTH?s funding of the capital cost will be limited to 40 per cent of the project cost, irrespective of whether the bus port is large, medium or small.

At least one project is expected to be taken up in a state on a pilot base, and thereafter, the state can replicate the model as per its own needs and requirements. The states will reportedly be selected on a first-come-first-serve basis and only those states will be selected that commit to provide access to the buses operated by the private operators.