Intermodal Stations to come up in 15 cities

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)  has conducted detailed pre-feasibility studies for setting up Intermodal Stations (IMS)  at  Nagpur and Varanasi and the preparation of DPRs for this is in final stages. Fifteen  cities across the country have been prioritized for development of IMS of which Nagpur and Varanasi  have been selected as pilot projects.

Intermodal Stations  are terminal infrastructure which integrate various transportation modes like rail, road, mass rapid transit system, bus rapid transit, inland waterways, auto-rickshaws, taxis and private vehiclesetc, so that people can move from one mode to another seamlessly, with minimum use of automobiles.

In most cities today, transport hubs like bus terminals, railway stations and others are located far from each other, so inter-modal transfers  create pressure on the already congested roads. By bringing the different transport modes at one point, IMS will reduce congestion on roads and also vehicular pollution. IMS will also aid in city decongestion by encouraging the use of public transportation and  by effectively using ring roads and National Highways for entry and evacuation of inter-city bus traffic, according to a PIB release.

Intermodal Stations  are being planned in an integrated manner along with road network development through new connecting roads, bridges, flyovers etc. The stations will cater to passenger volumes for the next 30 years and will have world-class amenities like FOBs with travellators, subways, common waiting rooms, clean toilets and restrooms, integrated public information systems, modern fire-fighting and emergency response services, convenience stores, lifts and escalators, adequate circulation space and commercial establishments.