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Udupi : Bus commuters in Udupi can heave a sigh of relief from the scorching heat in the days to come as the bus stops especially the Udupi service bus stand will be introduced with air condition facility in a short span of time.

Speaking to City Herald, CMC President Kiran Kumar informed that the project has been already assigned to Hareesh Bhardhwaj of Bhardhwaj Enterprises. A proposal has been initiated to build an ATM adjacent to air-conditioned bus top. The entire project has been taken up under BOT (Build Operate and Transfer) basis, he said.

As of now about 150 sq ft has been proposed for the project. The area where Mangalore buses make their halt will be taken up in the beginning. The portion of the area will be renovated and subsequently air-condition facility will be introduced. Tenders have been called for setting up of ATM from the banks interested. Banks have to pay monthly rent to the CMC for the space provided.

CMC Commissioner Gokuldas Nayak informed that CMC has called for expression of interest. Any individual who is interested can come forward and take up the project. He should bear the expenses that incur owing to new settlements in the area.

Electricity bill and other maintenance charges should be looked after by those who take up the project, he added.

CMC’s role in the new venture is very limited as everything is managed by those who undertake the project. CMC will not offer any financial help to the project. However, it is a trade based on give and take policy. The right for advertising space is solely assigned to the party that has been involved. The party can look after the maintenance task by collecting the advertisement revenue.

Nayak said that as the bus stop is a place filled with crowd, one can expect huge number of advertisement contracts. Then it would end up in an amazing business, he informed.

The party can sign the BOT based contract for few years and hand over the project to CMC once the time bound is met. After studying the result of the initial venture, the CMC will think of taking up similar projects in Manipal bus stop.

A/C bus stops being part of mega Udupi project will make the summer chill for the passengers who otherwise get tired of waiting for the buses. CMC has many projects in its hand that intend to beautify the city. Certainly, this one will add up to the charm of the temple town.