Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided to develop a modern ‘Atal Bus Stand’ with airport-like facilities at Baripada town of Mayurbhanj district to enhance passenger convenience, urban mobility, and tourism.
Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, who chaired a high-level review meeting on the proposed project, said the new bus terminal would be a landmark public infrastructure initiative for northern Odisha.
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to modern, inclusive, and sustainable transport systems, he said Baripada will be developed as a major transport hub.
Stating that there will be no shortage of funds for the project, the Minister asked all departments concerned to work in coordination to ensure quality work and timely execution.
As per the proposal, the Atal Bus Stand will be built on around five acres of land already allotted for the project. The terminal will prioritise passenger comfort, safety, accessibility, and operational efficiency. A passenger-oriented design proposal presented by the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) was discussed in detail during the meeting.
Key features of the project include spacious, well-ventilated waiting halls, clean restrooms, food courts, retail outlets, and facilities for persons with disabilities.
There will be digital passenger information systems, CCTV surveillance, wifi connectivity, mobile charging points, and child-friendly areas at the bus stand.
Apart from an integrated bus depot for seamless operations, maintenance, and fleet management, there will be green infrastructure elements such as rainwater harvesting, solar lighting, and landscaped open spaces.
Reviewing associated infrastructure plans, the Minister directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to ensure that any proposed flyover near the site does not affect the visibility, accessibility, or architectural aesthetics of the proposed bus stand.
