Nagpur, Amravati bus stations set for upgrade

Nagpur: The Maharashtra govt initiated measures to strengthen public transport in Nagpur and Amravati districts, with revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule directing officials to modernise bus stations, expand the fleet and improve passenger facilities.The directives were issued at a review meeting held in the state legislature in Mumbai, in the presence of transport minister Pratap Sarnaik, on Thursday. The discussions focused on improving infrastructure at bus stations, increasing the number of buses and ensuring better services for passengers.
Bawankule emphasised that commuters should not face inconvenience during the summer months and instructed officials to ensure that buses stop at designated halts, particularly during examination periods when students depend heavily on public transport. He said funds could be provided through the District Planning and Development Council, if required, to develop bus stops and related facilities.He also announced that the govt is considering establishing Nagpur Metropolitan Transport Company to streamline urban transport planning in the region. A detailed proposal is expected to be submitted by end of April, while work at Amravati depot is targeted for completion by the end of March.Expressing displeasure over the condition of Ganeshpeth bus station in Nagpur, Bawankule directed officials to undertake immediate improvements. The plan includes installing 200 steel chairs, setting up five water coolers and building a modern dormitory with 50 beds for passengers. He also instructed that the station's Hirkani room for lactating women should be properly equipped with facilities, rather than remaining symbolic.Officials informed the meeting that Nagpur district requires 160 additional buses. Of these, 100 buses were already allocated to depots at Katol, Ganeshpeth, Saoner, Imamwada and Wardhaman Nagar. Sarnaik assured that 154 vacant posts of drivers and conductors would be filled within two months to strengthen services.Renovation of Katol bus station and construction work at Kondhali are completed, while projects at Hingna, Ramtek and Umred are in progress. Bus stations at Butibori, Kuhi, Jalalkheda and Khapa will be developed through a public-private partnership model, while Kamptee and Mouda were prioritised for development in the first phase.