The proposal for development of a modern bus terminal at Paradip was discussed at a high-level meeting held under the chairmanship Chief Secretary AP Padhi at the State Secretariat on Friday.
The objectives of the proposal included curtailing of congestion on roads, smooth passage of loaded trucks in and out of the port and controlling of pollution level of the roadsides and canals. The project would also provide additional health and other utility services to drivers and transporters.
The Chief Secretary directed the concerned department to prepare a detailed project report along with a work plan for approval of the Government.
The project would be developed over an area of 38 acre, for which land has already been identified near Bhutmundei. The terminal would have facilities like weighbridges, fuel stations, cold storages, godowns, workshops, rest areas, police stations, an RTO office, healthcare, check-posts, post offices, banks, an administrative block, drinking water, electricity, toilets, shops and lodging.
The cost of the project has preliminarily been estimated at around Rs 55 crore. It has been proposed to develop the project in collaboration with the Paradip Port Trust.
Presently, about 1,200 trucks are plying to the ParadIp Port. The terminal would have facility for around 1,500 trucks. Other companies operating in Paradip can also make use of the terminal for their trucks and transporters. Development Commissioner R Balakrishnan, Industries Secretary Sanjeeb Chopra, Commerce & Transport Secretary Sanjaya Rastogi, Revenue & Disaster Management Secretary Mona Shrama, Works Secretary Nalini Kanta Pradhan, Idco CMD SK Singh and PPT Chairman Rinkesh Roy participated in deliberations.