The capital, Ranchi, will be experiencing an urban rejuvenation with the state spending to develop the largest shopping and transit centre in the state in Dubalia, adjacent to the Ring Road. The ambitious project will consist of an Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) along with a huge mall and multiplex, and is likely to reinvent the commercial and transport scenario of the city. The new development is to be spread across a vast 7.36 lakh square feet and will not only be the largest retail destination in the state, but also one of the most contemporary transit infrastructures.
The centre stage of this project is a modern bus terminus, which boasts of a holding bay that can hold a maximum of 211 buses. It is anticipated that the feature alone would contribute hugely to the decongestion of the Ranchi city, as most bus traffic would be offloaded out of the already congested areas in the city. The terminal will greatly benefit passengers who travel to and fro Patratu, Ramgarh, Kudu, and Lohardaga to ensure greater connectivity with the terminals and alleviate pressure in the existing bus stands in Ranchi.
Coupled with the terminal is a huge mall that will offer world-class shopping, dining and entertainment spots all under one roof. The provision of a multiplex and an extensive retail segment is likely to make the location a lifestyle destination to both locals and visitors. Beautifully seamless furnishings and inclusive environment-friendly facilities of international standards, the project is going to provide the residents of Ranchi and surrounding districts with a new urban experience without having to travel to metropolitan cities in search of such necessities.
Authority figures of the project have pointed out that the construction is being targeted towards long-term urban development. The hub is located along the Ring Road, and the move is aimed at getting the tangled traffic off the busy city centre in Ranchi and establishing a new commercial hub in a more contemporary and natural setting. Such a strategy is in line with the vision of the state as one that promotes sustainable and harmonious urban growth.
The project is also likely to have astounding benefits in favouring the local economy because investors are likely to rush in, and the project should create jobs and boost tourism. The average citizens, including small businesses, vendors, and service providers/centres, are expected to benefit due to the enhanced volume of foot traffic once the hub is commissioned. To residents, the integrated facility would not only be a passenger/cargo interchange point but a leisure, shopping, and social gathering destination.
As construction of the Ranchi ISBT-cum-mall complex gains pace, there is anticipation afoot of what promises to be a milestone in the development of the state in terms of modern city infrastructure. The initiative is aimed at signalling a new era in the development of infrastructure within the state as it integrates convenience and lifestyle as one.
