Navi Mumbai: The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation's (NMMC) flagship project, the Vashi bus depot development, is nearing completion with 90 percent of the construction work finished. This state-of-the-art multi-storied building is set to be completed soon, promising to transform the transportation landscape of the area.

The ambitious project, spearheaded by the former Municipal Commissioner Dr. Ramaswamy, has been in the works for several years. Approved by the Mahasabha at a total cost of Rs. 160 crores, the development includes a commercial complex alongside the bus station, strategically located in central Vashi.

 The new bus depot features a 21-floor commercial complex with a modern NMMT bus station on the ground floor. It includes 14 advanced bus stops, and three levels of dedicated bus parking, ensuring smooth operation for NMMT and other buses. The remaining floors are designated for commercial offices, which will be rented out to generate an estimated annual revenue of Rs.30 to Rs. 35 crores for the transport enterprise.

In addition to rental income, the depot is set to boost revenue through innovative digital billboard advertising outside the parking area. This multi-faceted approach aims to make the transport sector more financially viable, reducing dependency on municipal subsidies and improving overall efficiency.

Arvind Shinde, Additional City Engineer of NMMC, confirmed that the construction is in its final stages, with the outer glazing work nearly complete. The process for obtaining the Occupancy Certificate (OC) is underway, after which the project will be inaugurated and bus operations will commence.

Transportation Manager Yogesh Kaduskar emphasized the project's potential benefits, highlighting the improved convenience for commuters and the anticipated positive impact on the transport sector’s financial health.