Ghaziabad: A proposed upgrade of three major bus depots in Ghaziabad, announced in 2022 as part of a modernisation drive by the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC), has run into delays, with work yet to begin at Kaushambi and Sahibabad terminuses more than three years later.
The redevelopment plan, proposed to transform the depots into multi-storeyed transport hubs with modern passenger amenities, was initially scheduled for completion within 24 months. While construction began at the Old Bus Adda last year, officials said the projects at Kaushambi and Sahibabad have remained stalled amid changes triggered by the state's transit-oriented development (TOD) policy.
"The work on Old Bus Adda started last year, but we are yet to commence construction at Kaushambi and Sahibabad," a senior UPSRTC official said. "So far, we have only cleared trees that were obstructing the work at the two depots."
According to official, the delay stems from the need to recalibrate the projects after both depots were brought under the TOD influence zone, owing to their proximity to rapid rail and metro corridors. Under the UP Transit-Oriented Development Policy 2022, areas within a 1.5km radius of such corridors are eligible for higher development intensity.
Kaushambi's inter-state bus terminal lies adjacent to the Kaushambi and Anand Vihar Metro stations, and close to the Anand Vihar station of the Namo Bharat rapid rail network. The Sahibabad depot, meanwhile, is located near the Sahibabad rapid rail station. Together, the two depots handle an estimated daily footfall of around 40,000 passengers.
The TOD policy raised the permissible floor area ratio (FAR) in these zones to 4, from 1.5 when the depot redevelopment plans were first drawn up in 2022. While the higher FAR allows for taller, multi-storeyed structures, it also expands the scope of development, requiring fresh consultations with planning agencies.
"Since Kaushambi and Sahibabad fall within the TOD zone, the delay was largely due to reaching a consensus with the Ghaziabad Development Authority and the National Capital Region Transport Corporation on the applicable FAR and development norms," the official said.
The revised FAR is expected to alter the scale of the projects. In addition to the originally planned two-storey depots, the TOD framework permits commercial complexes, shopping malls, food outlets and hotels within depot premises.
Last year, the UP govt formally approved an FAR of 4 for both depots under the TOD policy. UPSRTC officials said construction could begin by March, once the "right to work" permit is issued to the private developer and statutory no-objection certificates are secured. From that point, the projects, undertaken under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, are expected to be completed within two years.
The 24,284 square metre (sqm) Kaushambi depot is to be redeveloped at an estimated cost of Rs 261 crore, while the 15,000 sqm Sahibabad depot will cost about Rs 161 crore. The Old Bus Adda project, spread over more than 10,000 sq metres, would be developed at Rs 62 crore. In total, 23 bus depots across UP are slated for modernisation, including the three in Ghaziabad.
UPSRTC said the upgraded depots will be designed to resemble airport terminals, with modern ticketing systems, large waiting areas and integrated food and retail facilities. Plans also include seamless pedestrian links to nearby rapid rail stations at Sahibabad and Ghaziabad.
The push to upgrade the depots has also been driven by environmental concerns. Located in densely populated areas, the heavy movement of buses in the area adds to air pollution, prompting directions from the National Green Tribunal to improve infrastructure and traffic flow.
Officials said the redevelopment will include dedicated lanes for bus movement and support the gradual shift to electric buses, helping to reduce congestion and emissions in surrounding neighbourhoods. UPSRTC currently operates around 800 buses daily from its three Ghaziabad depots.
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