Hyderabad: Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS), the nerve center of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation situated at the heart of the city, is being renovated with international standards. In order to revamp the cash-strapped RTC, the government had decided to renovate major bus terminals in the state including Jubilee Bus Station at Secunderabad.

A budget of Rs. 10 crore has been earmarked for the renovation of MGBS and the officials are keen on the makeover of the top bus terminal by constructing new hygienic toilets, urinals and safe drinking water facility with high standards. The refurbishment works are also in the last phase. Installation of e-advertising boards, special reservation counters for passengers and check-up points at the entrances are in the process. All the main entrances are being refurbished with beautiful welcome arches. The lounge facility for waiting passengers is also in the final stage.

TSRTC MD Ramana Rao said they were concentrating on the security of passengers with video surveillance by installing CCTV cameras in and on the premises of the bus station. A compound wall will also be constructed around the terminus. There will be separate ways for incoming and outgoing passengers who will be allowed inside after the keen check-up at the entrances, he said.

He said the special constructions for shopping and entertainment for passengers on ground and first floors are also on the cards at the inter-district bus station. Ultra modern flooring and seating arrangements are being made with international standards.

Electronic boards and displays for the announcements and the travel details of buses will be arranged. Lift facility to upper floors will also be available for senior citizens and disabled persons, said the MD of TSRTC.

He said the models and plans for the renovation of MGBS were given by Fabitot company and Madhusudhan Reddy, who worked for Kachiguda, Kukatpally and Koti bus stands, has been acting as Executive Engineer for the project. Round the clock enquiry service will be available for passengers, he said.