Odisha to Develop Airport-Style ‘Atal Bus Stand’ at Baripada to Boost Urban Mobility and Tourism

Bhubaneswar: Odisha government will develop a modern “Atal Bus Stand” with airport-like facilities at Baripada in Mayurbhanj district to enhance passenger convenience, urban mobility and tourism potential, Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mohapatra announced on Tuesday.

Chairing a high-level review meeting on the proposed project, the Minister described the new bus terminal as a landmark public infrastructure initiative for northern Odisha and reiterated the State Government’s commitment to building modern, inclusive and sustainable transport systems.

“Baripada will be developed as a major transport hub. There will be no shortage of funds for this project. All concerned departments must work in close coordination to ensure timely execution with the highest standards of quality,” Dr. Mohapatra said.

The Atal Bus Stand will be constructed on around five acres of land that has already been allotted. The terminal will prioritise passenger comfort, safety, accessibility and operational efficiency. During the review, the ‘A-Class’ passenger-oriented design presentation prepared by the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) was discussed in detail.

The proposed terminal will feature spacious and well-ventilated waiting halls, clean restrooms, food courts, retail spaces and dedicated facilities for persons with disabilities. It will also be equipped with digital passenger information systems, CCTV surveillance, Wi-Fi connectivity, mobile charging points and child-friendly areas. An integrated bus depot will ensure seamless operations, maintenance and efficient fleet management.

With a strong focus on sustainability, the project will incorporate green infrastructure elements such as rainwater harvesting, solar lighting and landscaped open spaces. The Minister also informed that the local Urban Local Body will undertake plantation of over 6,000 saplings in and around the project area, while the Forest Department has allocated funds for greening activities across 10 acres to maintain ecological balance.

Reviewing associated infrastructure planning, Dr. Mohapatra directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to ensure that any proposed flyover near the site is designed without compromising the visibility, accessibility or architectural aesthetics of the Atal Bus Stand and the city of Baripada.

The existing Baripada bus stand, located in the congested city centre, has long been a cause of traffic snarls and commuter inconvenience. The new terminal is expected to decongest the city core, improve road safety and strengthen connectivity to major destinations such as Bhubaneswar, Balasore, Kolkata and other regional centres. The project is also expected to give a significant boost to tourism, particularly to Similipal National Park and nearby heritage destinations.

The review meeting, held at Unnati Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, was attended by Arun Biswal, Additional Secretary-cum-General Manager, OSRTC, senior officials of NHAI and representatives of other concerned departments.

The Atal Bus Stand project aligns with Odisha’s broader vision of developing world-class bus terminals, on the lines of the upgraded Baramunda Bus Terminal in Bhubaneswar, and reflects the State Government’s resolve to deliver citizen-centric, future-ready public transport infrastructure.