-- Samir Umarye MAPUSA: The only on e of its kind in Bardez and perhaps the only self-contained bus stand in the entire state, the Assonora bus stand, is all set for inauguration within the next one month.
This project is the brainchild of Tourism Minister, Mr Nilkhanth Halarnkar, who is also the local MLA. With 99 per cent of the work is complete, what is remaining now is just a few electrical works and the ‘handing over’ process of the bus stand to the KTC, that will be maintaining this bus stand in the future. The state-of-the-art Assonora bus stand is not just a place for buses and other vehicles, but is also a shopping complex, having 19 shops and a community hall with a capacity to accommodate 650 persons. Built in an area of 11,000 square metres, the work on this project started in October 2008, and a little after two years, the project is complete and ready to be inaugurated. Coincidentally the bus stand is located just beside the statue of Mapari - a freedom fighter from Assonora, who sacrificed his young life. Beside having 10-bays for local and interstate buses, the other facilities provided are a suspended clock, drinking water facility, toilets, benches, barrier free access for handicapped persons, parking facilities for two, three and four wheelers, ticket counter, security cabin, barrier free toilets for handicapped, canteen facilities, fire escape staircase, KTC office and a resting room for drivers, especially for those on long routes. The front portion is constructed with structural steel in built up sections. The roofing is made up of Galvalume/ polycarbonate sheets. The flooring is made of porcelain and vitrified tiles. The community hall is also self contained with a spacious dinning area, buffet area, kitchen area and a washing place. Officials at the bus stand site indicated that the bus stand was designed, keeping in mind the future requirements and as such they felt that there would be no problem atleast for the next 15 years. This unique bus stand in Assonora has brought to the fore the question as to why Mapusa, being the commercial city of Bardez cannot atleast get a modest bus stand. "The finishing and final touches are presently being given to the bus stand, that include polishing, lighting, etc. We are through with all our major works," informed Mr Halarnkar, adding that the project was built at the cost of about ` 12 crore, by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation. "The GSIDC has built the bus stand for the Directorate of Transport and presently the process of handing over the bus stand by the Transport Department to the KTC is in progress, and could take about 2 to 3 weeks. Once this is done, we can begin arrangements to inaugurate the bus stand," informed Mr Halarnkar. Right now the Assonora bus stand is spanking new and gleaming. However, how this new sophisticated bus stand is gong to be looked after is anybody’s guess. Whether the authorities will succeed in maintaining it in good condition or whether it will suffer the same fate as other bus stands, only the future will tell.(NT)
