Transport minister unveils revamped Ekm KSRTC depot

Kochi: Transport minister K B Ganesh Kumar inaugurated the renovated Ernakulam KSRTC depot and laid the foundation stone for a new building complex at Karikkamuri on Friday.To put an end to the long-standing plight of waterlogging at the depot, the ground level was raised by about 2ft. Approximately 12,500sq ft of Kota stone was laid and a scientific drainage system was set up. New seating, ramp facilities and modern LED lights have been installed. The windows and doors at the bus stand have been repaired and replaced.The renovated KSRTC depot building complex includes facilities such as an AC waiting room, a ladies' AC waiting room and a feeding room, sponsored by a private firm. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds were used for a toilet complex, a reading corner, a health corner, a digital cloak room, an inquiry counter and announcement system from various sponsors. Platform boards, direction boards, a scrubber machine for floor cleaning and bus destination boards were also sponsored by various organisations.The event was presided over by MLA T J Vinod, with MP Hibi Eden as the chief guest. Vinod said six unutilised shops in the depot were tendered for Rs 30,000 to 80,000 per month, providing financial support to KSRTC. He said the minister promised that tenders would be invited for outsourcing cleaning services by private firms at the renovated depot to ensure cleanliness.The depot was renovated at a total cost of Rs 1.88 crore. The project was completed using funds from the MLA's asset development fund, which provided Rs 77.7 lakh in three phases, along with CSR funds from BPCL (Rs 99 lakh) and another private firm (Rs 12 lakh). A garden and selfie point, along with a police aid post for passenger safety, have also been set up.The transport minister also laid the foundation stone for a new terminal complex for KSRTC at Karikkamuri and it will be constructed at a cost of Rs 13 crore. The new project will include bus bays for 28 buses, an air-conditioned waiting area, a feeding room, a cafe and various kiosks. Vinod said construction of the new project will be completed in two years. Once govt grants technical sanction, tenders will be invited for the construction, he said.Kochi mayor V K Minimol was also present at the event.