The Uttar Pradesh government has announced a significant infrastructure project to develop an integrated city bus terminal and commercial facilities at the P-4 parking area in Lucknow's Vrindavan Yojana under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. According to reports from Business Standard, the project will provide an additional terminal for electric bus operations and offer modern amenities to passengers, designed to provide travellers with an airport-like experience. The terminal is planned to be implemented by the Directorate of Urban Transport under the design, build, finance, operate and transfer (DBFOT) model.
The project involves an estimated investment of ₹265 crore, with the breakdown showing ₹60 crore allocated for the bus terminal and ₹205 crore for commercial facilities. As reported by Business Standard, the project will be spread over approximately 7.06 acres and the cost of land is not included in the estimated project cost. The project was selected through a competitive bidding process, with four companies participating in the tender process. The terminal will have comprehensive facilities including bus bays, parking facilities, charging infrastructure for electric buses, repair facilities, staff amenities, administrative offices and security rooms.
Urban development minister Arvind Kumar Sharma revealed that 116 electric buses are currently being operated from the Dubagga depot in Lucknow, with the process of deploying another 300 electric buses already underway. According to Business Standard, the decision to develop the new terminal was taken keeping in view the need for additional dedicated infrastructure for the proposed fleet expansion. The terminal will have comprehensive facilities including bus bays, parking facilities, charging infrastructure for electric buses, repair facilities, staff amenities, administrative offices and security rooms.
The project will feature extensive commercial amenities including ticket counters, enquiry centres, waiting areas and luggage storage for passengers. As reported by Business Standard, the complex will include restaurants, coffee shops, fast-food outlets, commercial shops, medical stores, banks, automated teller machines (ATMs), public toilets, water ATMs, a taxi stand and public parking. The facility will also incorporate fire-safety infrastructure and security rooms. The final approval for the developer's design, drawings and specifications will be given by the Directorate of Urban Transport.
Under the PPP model, the developer will transfer the bus terminal to the directorate free of cost after construction, but will continue to operate and manage the terminal and associated facilities. According to Business Standard, the developer will be required to maintain the bus terminal for 35 years and the infrastructure related to commercial facilities for 90 years. The project represents a significant investment in Lucknow's public transportation infrastructure and commercial development in the Vrindavan Yojana area.
