MSRTC has 3 options to move depot from station

KALYAN: The Smart Kalyan Dombivli Corporation Limited (SKDCL), which is implementing the Kalyan Station Area Traffic Improvement scheme (SATIS) project, has finalised three different spots to temporarily shift the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) depot at the APMC market located on the Kalyan-Shil Road from the station area.

The SKDCL has proposed to shift the bus depot and the workshop to the Vitthalwadi MSRTC depot. The second option is to shift the bus depot to the yard of the APMC and workshop to the Vitthalwadi depot and the third option is to completely shift the bus depot and the workshop to the Vitthalwadi depot.

“One of the important aspects of the project is shifting the depot till the new spacious one is ready. This depot causes major congestion on the station road area. We have asked the MSRTC to approve any of these options so that we can begin the revamping work,” said Tarun Juneja, executive engineer, SKDCL.

The existing 49-year-old ST depot will be revamped with modern facilities like a cafeteria, two floors of commercial spaces and a parking lot on the upper floor.

PThe civic body has already initiated the demolition of the only parking lot located near the station, which will also be developed under the SATIS project.

Considering the population growth in Kalyan-Dombivli, which has crossed over 15 lakhs, the SKDCL has planned SATIS for both Kalyan east and west stations. The Kalyan railway station has around four lakh commuters travelling to Mumbai and other cities daily. All these crowds emerge at the station premises, leading to major congestion points in the city.

As per the KDMC, the project, once implemented, will be a boon for the city for the next 25-30 years. The estimated cost of the project is ₹498Cr.

A MSRTC Kalyan depot official said, “The SKDCL has provided three options to shift the depot and the senior officials of the transport body will take a decision over this soon.”

A key aspect of the project is shifting the depot, which causes major congestion on the station road area. TARUN JUNEJA,

The ST bus depot right outside the Kalyan railway station (W) will be shifted to ease congestion.