Leh: The urban public transport infrastructure in Ladakh is all set for a makeover as Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Thursday approved the construction of 30 unique smart bus shelters that would blend passenger-friendly modern amenities with the Union Territory’s distinctive cultural architecture, an official said.
These bus shelters are architecturally inspired by Ladakhi Gonpas and equipped with amenities like GPS-enabled real-time bus information systems, heated seats, Wi-Fi, CCTV surveillance systems, solar power system and SOS emergency response buttons, an official spokesman said.
The project will be implemented by the Sindhu Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (SIDCO), he added.
The spokesman said that at present, the existing bus stops in Leh lack adequate shelter, comfortable seating, protection from extreme weather conditions, and modern passenger amenities. The new smart bus stops will address these gaps by providing safe and comfortable waiting spaces and safety mechanisms, he said.
The project will feature traditional Ladakhi architectural elements, including Shingtsak woodwork, decorative finishes, traditional Pentsak painting, mud plastering, lime whitewashing, prayer wheel installations and wall murals.
The smart bus stops will also be equipped with advanced Intelligent Transport System (ITS) and ICT-enabled facilities, including 55-inch passenger information display systems (PIDS), secondary LED display boards, GPS-based real-time bus tracking systems, cloud-based estimated time of arrival (ETA) software, Wi-Fi connectivity, CCTV surveillance systems and SOS emergency response buttons, the spokesman said.
Additional passenger amenities will include mobile and laptop charging stations, first aid kits, oxygen cylinders, fire safety systems, seating arrangements, and tactile tiles for visually impaired passengers, he said.
Each bus stop will also incorporate a two kWp solar photovoltaic system with battery storage and hybrid inverter systems, along with grid connectivity provisions, helping reduce carbon emissions and dependence on conventional energy sources.
The project was conceptualised by LG Saxena in response to the growing demand for efficient and comfortable public transport infrastructure in Leh, a major tourist destination and regional hub, the spokesman said.
“The initiative aims to transform public transport infrastructure in Leh by creating modern, sustainable, and people-centric urban infrastructure while preserving Ladakh’s unique cultural and architectural identity,” LG Saxena said.
