The Dwaraka Bus Station (DBS Complex), popularly known as RTC Complex, is being given a major facelift at an estimated cost of Rs. 80 lakh. The foundation for the RTC Complex was laid by the then Chief Minister Jalagam Vengala Rao on October 13, 1974 and it was opened in 1979.
The renovation project, taken up earlier this month, is expected to be completed in the first week of January, 2016. Modern steel chairs for passengers awaiting the arrival of buses, steel railings to segregate the waiting passengers from those moving in the aisle, new fans, new CCTV s, painting of the walls and panelling of the pillars to give a sophisticated new look are some of the works that are being undertaken inside the complex.
“We have added 100 new fans, 170 three-seater chairs and replaced the old tube lights in the waiting area at the platforms with new LED lights. Steel railings have been provided alongside the aisle and the old pillars are being given a new look with panels and with provision for 25 TVs that merge with the walls,” Deputy Chief Traffic Manager (DBS) Ch. Appalanarayana said.
“In all, there are 29 platforms at DBS from which rural and long distance services operate. In addition, there are three platforms, a little away from the main building, from which city services operate. Complete painting of the building has also been taken up,” he says.
“While most of the renovation works are expected to be completed by January 2, the renovation of toilets could take a longer time and is expected to be completed by February-end. We will soon be getting four new Volvo buses and they would be augmented on the Hyderabad and Chennai routes,” Regional Manager G. Sudesh Kumar said.
Meanwhile, the renovated AC Lounge, which was opened in May this year, has been opened up for non-AC passengers also on payment-basis. RTC Vice Chairman and Managing Director N. Sambasiva Rao had taken keen interest on modernisation of the old lounge.
Apart from 33 modern chairs, the AC lounge has two cosy beds for the convenience of senior citizens and sick persons, who wish to take a nap as they await the arrival of their bus. One need not step out of the lounge to ease themselves, as two neatly maintained attached washrooms are provided.
RTC passengers utilising DBS Complex can expect better services in the New Year.
