Finally,Shimla set to get its modern ISBT

Shimla's wait for the upcoming modern Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) will be finally over this week.

Shimla’s wait for the upcoming modern Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) Himachal Pradeshs first Built-Operate-Transfer project aimed to decongest the town and provide high-end facilities to tourists and locals will be finally over this week. Though delayed for almost two years,the new ISBT will be fully functional within the next few days. On July 8,the state cabinet is set to grant its approval to the project.

The state government,which had set up a committee under Principal Secretary (Transport) T G Negi to look into the completion formalities and also the expansion of the commercial area by the promoters committee,is reported to have submitted its report to the government. State Chief Secretary Rajwant Sandhu had also paid a visit the project site.

A few issues are pending between the Himachal Pradesh Bus Stand Development Authority and private company M/s C K Constructions regarding adjustments to the agreement period. These can either be resolved later or possibly be referred to the arbitrator. But the bus stand has to start its operations, said Himachal Pradesh Transport Corporation MD Bharat Khera.

When contacted,Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal also confirmed the move to start operations at the ISBT. The old ISBT has become the biggest traffic bottleneck. The cabinet will give its approval to the new ISBT on Friday, he said.

The new ISBT offers series of luxuries big brand shopping opportunities,multi-cuisine eating facilities and a double screen PVR multiplex for tourists and passengers. The new ISBT not only tries to meet the needs of this historic city,but will also open a new window to the passenger comforts. Glass-fitted automatic doors for arrival and departure bays,clean environment,multi-storey parking,shopping complexes for international brands,hotels,banquet hall and PVR multiplex are going to be its biggest USP, said project promoter Chand Khan. The ISBT has capacity to accommodate more than 350 vehicles.

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