Chandigarh, Dec 16 (IANS) The country's first fully air-conditioned bus terminus, the Mohali busopolis, was inaugurated in Mohali town in Punjab on Friday.
Resembling an airport terminal, the unique bus terminus will be operational 24x7 and cater to nearly 1,900 buses.
The terminus would have facilities to shop, eat, sleep and entertainment.
The inter-state bus terminus (ISBT) is the first phase of the Rs 700 crore project that will be completed in three phases. The project will also have a commercial hub, a hotel and even a helipad.
The bus terminus, constructed by C & C Constructions, was inaugurated by Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal.
"This bus stand is most unique, constructed at a cost of Rs 100 crore. It will offer facilities at par with an airport terminal," Badal said after the inauguration of the terminus.
All buses from Mohali town, adjoining Chandigarh, will now ply to various destinations across Punjab and neighbouring states from the new terminus.
"We are delighted to offer to the people of north India a world class air-conditioned busopolis - a one stop facility for their travel, entertainment, shopping and daily needs. This complex offers a complete lifestyle experience for the user, backed by Wi-Fi, electronic surveillance and a competent facility management service," Gurjeet Singh Johar, Chairman, C & C Constructions Ltd., said.
The facilities at the new bus terminus include food court and retail outlets, free Wi-Fi, ATMs, cyber cafes, medical aid and pharmacy, multi-level parking, cloak rooms, tourist information booths, AC dormitories and waiting lounges and sniffer dogs to ensure safety of passengers, a spokesman said here.