Bus-stations to have wi-fi, FM in Chengannur

Thiruvananthapuram: Traditional bus stands with dusty seatings and leaky roofs are all set to give way to hi-tech and eco-friendly ones in Chengannur in Alappuzha district.

As many as 25 smart bus stations, with facilities ranging from wi-fi and FM radios to newspaper kiosks and laptop resting pads, will soon come up there as part of an ambitious development programme.

Seeking to improve the basic infrastructure of the constituency, authorities are getting ready to set up innovative bus stations in selected panchayats there.

P C Vishnunath, MLA, whose various development funds are used to implement the project, said the main objective of the initiative is to bring the fruits of technological advancement at the grass-root level.

"We are planning to give an entirely new look to the traditional bus-stops. Though several hi-tech facilities are planned, we are trying to ensure that everything there is eco-friendly," Vishnunath, who represents Chengannur in the state Assembly, told PTI.

Besides the 24x7 wi-fi and facility to charge mobile phones and laptops, the smart bus stations will also have high quality seating, attractive floor tiles and lawns made of Mexican carpet grass, he said, adding that special radio announcements on government projects would be another feature of these bus stations.

Scenic gardens with a variety of plants, including royal palm trees and golden cypress will add charm to the smart bus-stops, he said.

"We are planning to tap solar energy to operate the wi-fi, FM and internet charging facilities," he said.

The first smart bus-station under the plan will soon come up before Chengannur Christian College.

About Rs three lakh is expected be spent on setting up of each smart bus station, whose construction has been entrusted with government agency SIDCO.