Mumbai: The Union road transport ministry is ready to offer viability gap funding to the tune of Rs 1,000 crore to its state counterparts to set up large world-class bus terminals in as many as 2,000 cities and towns.
“We have a Rs 1,000-crore funding plan to assist states in setting up of world class busports (large bus terminals). What I have in mind is around 2,000 such terminals over the next few years in the BOT model or can be in private-public partnerships where there will more need for viability gap funding. The Central fund can be used for this,” Union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari has said.
Addressing the maiden summit of bus and tour operators under the banner of Prawaas, being organised by the Bus Operators Confederation at Navi Mumbai, the minister said such busports should be fully integrated facilities serving every stakeholder well.
“If any interested state sends us a proposal, we are even ready to give funds for consultancy study. In future, if the PPP model does not work out, we may consider viability gap funding as well,” he said.
Why can't we have all types of operators--be it the state-run buses or private or stage/contract carriages be all under the same roof? Why we should segregate them when they serve the same purpose, Gadkari wondered and said such integration of the system can increase its efficiency and usefulness to people.
