KOZHIKODE: While the handing over of the delayed KSRTC terminal complex is on, the undue delay in leasing procedures has led to KSRTC as well as the public continuing to suffer. Kerala Transport Development Finance Corporation (KTDFC) which is in possession of the Rs 65 crore worth bus terminal of KSRTC at Kozhikode is yet to lease out the facility due to failure in getting necessary building permits as well as fire and safety licences.
Incidentally, the bid for the lease was won by MAK Associates which was ready to remit Rs 50 crore as nonrefundable deposit for a thirty –year-period and also was ready to pay Rs 50 lakh as rent.
Recently, fire and safety officials examined the building and expressed displeasure over the violation of various safety parameters. Some repairs and structural changes have been suggested in order to grant the licence.
KSRTC zonal officer A Safarullah told DC that the Corporation was incurring huge losses due to the delayed project. “We have lost revenue from the rented shops since 2009 after the construction started. Moreover our employees have lost facilities to stay during night hours. We have also lost the garage and parking facility we enjoyed earlier”, he said.
“We hope that we would be getting the administrative office facility once the construction is over and leasing procedures completed”, he added.
Now KSRTC buses travel 8 kilometer up and down to KSRTC garage at Pavangad for night parking. The building complex with 2,18,716.23 sq ft commercial space is located in the heart of the city.
