Bhubaneswar, Dec 23: The Odisha government will develop a modern “Atal Bus Stand” at Baripada in Mayurbhanj district with airport-like facilities to enhance passenger convenience, urban mobility, and tourism potential, said Housing & Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra today.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on the proposed project, the Minister stated that the new bus terminal will be a landmark public infrastructure project in northern Odisha and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening modern, inclusive, and sustainable transport systems.
“Baripada will be developed as a major transport hub. There will be no shortage of funds for this project. All concerned departments must work in coordination to ensure timely execution with the highest standards of quality,” Mohapatra said.
The Atal Bus Stand will be constructed on approximately 5 acres of land that has alreadly been alloted. The terminal will be designed with a strong emphasis on passenger comfort, safety, accessibility, and operational efficiency. After detailed evaluation, the ‘A-Class’ passenger-oriented design presentstion by OSRTC was discussed in details.
Features of the proposed Atal Bus Stand:
* Spacious, well-ventilated waiting halls; clean restrooms; food courts; retail spaces; and facilities for persons with disabilities
* Digital passenger information systems, CCTV surveillance, Wi-Fi connectivity, mobile charging points, and child-friendly areas
* Integrated bus depot for seamless operations, maintenance, and fleet management
* Green infrastructure elements such as rainwater harvesting, solar lighting, and landscaped open spaces
Reviewing associated infrastructure planning, the Minister directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to ensure that any proposed flyover near the site is designed in a manner that does not compromise the visibility, accessibility, or architectural aesthetics of the Atal Bus Stand and the city of Baripada.
Highlighting the state’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the Minister informed that the local Urban Local Body (ULB) will undertake plantation of over 6,000 saplings in and around the project area. Additionally, the Forest Department has allocated funds for greening activities across 10 acres, ensuring ecological balance alongside infrastructure development.
The existing Baripada bus stand, located in the city centre, is old and congested, resulting in traffic congestion and commuter inconvenience. The new terminal is expected to decongest the city core, improve road safety, and enhance connectivity to major destinations including Bhubaneswar, Balasore, Kolkata, and other regional centres. The project is also poised to significantly boost tourism, particularly to Similipal National Park and surrounding heritage destinations.
The review meeting, held at Unnati Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, was attended by Arun Biswal, Additional Secretary-cum-General Manager, OSRTC, senior officials of NHAI, and representatives of other concerned departments.
