After setting up swanky bus stops with stainless steel frames, the BEST undertaking plans to introduce air-conditioned bus shelters. But all passengers will not be able to avail of this facility as the stops will only cater to the air-conditioned King Long buses.

This ambitious proposal was presented by the undertaking to the BEST committee, which comprises representatives of various political parties. "It was submitted at the last minute," said BEST committee chairman Dilip Patel. "Hence we have sought time from the undertaking to study the proposal before it is passed."

The proposal suggests that air-conditioned bus shelters be constructed at various places in the city, to be used by King Long passengers. The shelters would have facilities like a small canteen, provision for an ATM, and ticket-vending machines.

"Eighteen locations, out of the 40 proposed, have been identified. These include Maheshwari Udyan, Sion Hospital, Ghatkopar station (East), Gandhi Market, Rajawadi Hospital, Garodia Nagar, Glass Factory, Seepz, Esic Nagar, Juhu beach, Nana Chowk, Santa Cruz police station, Kirti College, Prabhadevi, Poonam Chambers, and Churchgate," said a BEST official.

The proposal was prepared after the undertaking received a plan from Fast Track Media and Display Corporation on the first-finder scheme to introduce AC bus shelters. "The undertaking would have to enter into a 15-year contract," said the official. "The undertaking would, in turn, earn annual revenue of Rs4.19 crore. Advertisement rights, however, would remain with the company."

Asked if the shelters would replace existing ones, Patel said, "These will be new constructions. But they will only be used for King Long bus halts. Nearly 200 new buses will be added to the existing fleet and arrangements will be made to make sure that more travellers are attracted to them."

Patel said even if swarovski Money Clips the proposal were to be passed, it would take at least four months for the shelters to be built.

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