Swanky new ISBT now open for public

The swanky new inter-state bus terminus at Kashmere Gate has finally become operational. Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and union minister for communications and technology Kapil Sibal inaugurated the refurbished terminus on Thursday.

The swanky new inter-state bus terminus at Kashmere Gate has finally become operational. Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and union minister for communications and technology Kapil Sibal inaugurated the refurbished terminus on Thursday.

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With its swanky look and modern facilities such as an air-conditioned waiting lounge, glass elevators, escalators, 24x7 food court, better security with closed circuit television cameras and public information system, Delhi’s oldest ISBT now resembles an airport terminal. The building has been retrofitted to make it earthquake resistant.

"This is first-of-its-kind ISBT in the country. It has since become a new landmark of the city," Dikshit said while throwing open the terminus. Government advertisements also announced its launch saying - ‘Get the feel of an airport in the fully renovated ISBT’.

Built in 1976, the ISBT was partially closed in July 2011 for renovation. It was supposed to be reopened within 12 months but missed several deadlines.

Delhi transport minister Ramakant Goswami said normal operations will start within a week. “We had shifted the operation of some buses to Sarai Kale Khan and Anand Vihar ISBTs to facilitate its quick renovation. Those buses will start operating from Kashmere Gate within a week,” Goswami said.

About 2,000 inter-state buses and 400 local buses operated and it catered to almost one lakh passengers before the ISBT was partially closed.

Apart from redesigning the passenger area, the transport department has redesigned the arrival and departure area and bus bays. Senior transport department officials said there is a change in bus circulation plan to ensure that passengers do not face inconvenience while boarding or de-boarding the buses.

While the building and the passenger area has been redone, officials said they will soon take up the second phase of development work, which is connecting the terminus with the Kashmere Gate metro station for the seamless movement of passengers.

After Kashmere Gate, the transport department will now redevelop Anand Vihar and Sarai Kale Khan ISBTs.