The Ganeshpeth bus terminus in Nagpur, run by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), will soon get a ₹2.76 crore renovation to fix its old infrastructure. The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) will handle the repairs. However, due to budgetary constraints, only half of the bus bay area will be renovated, covering 5,000 square meters out of the total 10,300 square meters.
Serving over 12,000 passengers and 2,200 buses daily, the bus terminus has been in a state of neglect for years. The building and surrounding infrastructure have deteriorated, offering substandard services. In contrast to well-maintained bus terminals in southern and northern India, the Ganeshpeth terminus has become an unpleasant option for travellers, with old buses and poorly maintained platforms. The renovation is part of a broader project covering six bus stations in Nagpur district, including Morbhavan, Butibori, Saoner, Katol, and Umred, with a total budget of ₹12.98 crore.
The renovation will take place in two phases. In the first phase, platforms near the exit gate will be concretized, followed by those near the entry gate in the second phase. Temporary arrangements will be made for buses to park and load on the opposite side during each phase of construction. The platforms used by buses heading to Chandrapur, Saoner, Yavatmal, Bhandara, Amravati, and Akola will be impacted.
According to Ranju Ghodmare, Divisional Traffic Officer of MSRTC Nagpur, traffic management plans are in place, though the ongoing monsoon could affect the project timeline. Alternative parking arrangements for the 105 buses stationed overnight are also under discussion.
The work is expected to begin in September and be completed by February 1, 2025. The contract has been awarded to M/s. N. N. Pugalia Engineers and Contractors. Despite the much-needed upgrades, the temporary closure of platforms is expected to cause congestion at the bus terminus.