The Bengal government is gearing up to amplify the Joka bus terminus, aligning with the imminent extension of the Joka-Esplanade Metro to Majerhat station.
This strategic move aligns with the imminent extension of the Metro to Majerhat station, prompting an expected surge in public transportation usage. The Joka-Esplanade Metro, presently operating from Joka to Taratala, anticipates a substantial uptick in passenger influx upon its connection to Majerhat station.
This pivotal connection will seamlessly integrate the Metro, suburban trains (Sealdah-Budge Budge line), and the Circular Railway, facilitating swift citywide mobility.
A spokesperson from the West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) confirmed the imminent allocation of funds for the second phase development of the depot. This expansion will encompass an increased fleet of buses, new routes, upgraded amenities, and cutting-edge technological advancements, as reported by TOI.
Initially established as a tram terminus, the Joka bus terminus has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis over the years. Responding to shifting demographics and burgeoning travel demands in the southern suburbs, the transport department proactively revamped the space, ushering in bus services and a modernized depot. The initial phase of renovation, completed at a cost of Rs 1.8 crore, laid the foundation for further enhancements.
In line with these ongoing improvements, WBTC recently acquired 40 new MIDI non-AC buses, each accommodating 34 passengers, through an e-tender from Eicher. These buses, priced at Rs 19.4 lakh per unit, are poised to address the burgeoning transportation requisites of the region. Presently, 25 buses from the initial phase are operational on intra-city and suburban routes.
The revamped Joka bus terminus, coupled with the Metro expansion and the incorporation of Joka’s gram panchayats into the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, is poised to play a pivotal role in Bengal’s burgeoning transit network.
The region has witnessed rapid urbanization and real estate development since these transportation enhancements, with Joka emerging as the gateway to an extensive hinterland, including Ganga Sagar. The imperative for an efficient mass transit system is underscored by the accelerating urbanization and population growth in these areas.
Comments
0 comment