Abstract:
For communications between one place to another, transportation is one of the most essential requirements either in the sense of work, tourism or for the visiting factors. Many factors such as convenience between places, tourism promotion, communication between places, etc., have foretold the importance of planning, for instance road industry, in the context of bus terminal settlements. Bus terminals in Maharashtra owned and run by MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation) play a pivotal role in public transportation, acting as gateways for millions of daily commuters across urban and rural landscapes. Commuters traveling through MSRTC bus terminals face numerous issues, including outdated designs, dimly lit and shabby spaces, and a lack of digital navigation boards or modern public-friendly amenities. Poor internal planning and minimal integration of technology further diminish the travel experience. Modernizing these terminals is crucial to match contemporary standards and ensure commuter comfort. With the advantage of Underground Metro and Railway connectivity in the Shivajinagar precinct, the site presents a crucial opportunity to reimagine the terminal not just as a point of transit, but Integration with multiple modes that fosters connectivity, social engagement, and urban livability. The proposed design for the 'Integrated Bus Terminal cum Multi-utility Center' in Shivajinagar, Pune emerges from a critical evaluation of existing terminal typologies, commuter behavior, and the urban fabric of Pune. The project seeks to address key concerns of accessibility, wayfinding, congestion, and lack of civic amenities by introducing an integration of multiple modes that seamlessly connects the underground metro station and Shivajinagar railway station through a network of shared public spaces. The architectural approach blends contemporary design with contextual sensitivity, ample natural light, and intuitive circulation patterns to enhance commuter comfort. Transit, commercial and recreational facilities are layered into the design to ensure round the clock activation and generate revenue, while landscaped public plazas and shaded walkways encourage social interaction and community engagement.
Keywords: Bus terminal, Connectivity, Transit node, Commuters
