Lal Darwaja bus stand is fitted with Rajasthani stones; bears patterns of city’s landmark Siddi Saiyyed Jali
The Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Services (AMTS) is poised to unveil its newly refurbished Lal Darwaja bus stand, steeped in heritage design, in the first week of June.
This architectural marvel, featuring stone elevation cladding and columns sourced from Bharatpur, Rajasthan, captures the essence of Ahmedabad’s past while serving the city’s bustling present. These special stones, named Bansi Pahadpur stones, will be utilized for the elevation, providing the station with a distinctive, yet historical appearance.
Significantly, these stones are naturally available from mines and are known to reduce temperatures by 4-5 degrees Celsius. Their versatility and adaptability, allowing them to be cut into various sizes, enhance the overall aesthetics, and contribute to the bus stand’s unique heritage appeal.
Emulating the iconic patterns of Siddi Saiyyed Jali, the tiles have been painstakingly carved to embody the rich artistry of the city.
The pillars, designed in a circular shape
reminiscent of havelis, add a regal touch and also function as air circulation points. Additionally, leaf-patterned railings,
reminiscent of the past, adorn the terrace. Lanterns will illuminate the columns and platforms, ensuring ample lighting. With a capacity for 503 buses, this new hub will become a central part of the city’s transport network, with 80 routes passing through or originating from here. A daily footfall of nearly 1,95,000 is anticipated, reflecting the extensive usage and importance of the AMTS buses in the city’s daily life.
The expansive six-metre-high building spans across 11,500 square metres. It falls in the restricted zone, with permission from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) having been secured to raise the height to 12 metres, if future expansion is required.
“AMTS bus stands were due for an upgrade. The earlier building was rather simple and deteriorating,” revealed a source involved with the project. At a cost of Rs 8.5 crores, this ambitious revamp aims to significantly
enhance the commuter experience. As part of the upgrade, the bus stand will feature a Public Information System (PIS) to provide commuters with real-time bus arrival and departure information.
With a network of nearly 35 cameras, every aspect of bus operations, from speed tracking to breakdown management, will be monitored from Lal Darwaja.
Moreover, conductors will have access to a dedicated cash cabin for ticket revenue deposits, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.