Sanctioned in 2008 to redevelop Delhi's Sarai Kale Khan ISBT into a modern multimodal hub, the project has been repeatedly derailed — first by building-height restrictions near Humayun's Tomb and Metro Phase III works, then by NCRTC's decision to build an elevated (rather than underground) Delhi-Meerut RRTS station on the same site, forcing a fresh Detailed Project Report and all 11 approvals to be sought again. Meanwhile a 2024 investigative report found the existing terminal — serving over 50,000 daily passengers — riddled with broken seating, non-functional fans, contaminated water points, and a platform illegally used as a police parking lot.
On record
The official record states: "A government official explained that "with NCRTC's new station plan for the location, the government will have to make a fresh detailed project report," while Delhi's Lieutenant Governor ordered a "complete overhaul" of the ISBT in September 2024 after the neglect was exposed."
Filed as "Under repeat repair / Still standing (barely), multi-year delay" and dated to Sanctioned 2008; still incomplete as of 2018, this entry sits under the "Escalated from ₹162 crore (2008 estimate) to ₹422 crore (2015) to a projected ₹900 crore, with an estimated ₹738 crore loss to the Delhi government from the delay" line of the public accounts.
What to expect
- An air-conditioned terminal the buses have collectively agreed to skip.
- Ticket counters staffed by expectation more than personnel.
- A food court awaiting the footfall the feasibility study promised.
- Buses picking up, as ever, from the old stand a kilometre away.
Sourcing
2 public sources — news reports, RTI replies and civic archives — corroborate this entry. The citation trail is listed below for anyone who would like to follow up with the department concerned.
“Structurally, it is a strong contender for 'was going to be'.”— Blunderlust Editorial Desk
Sources
- https://www.pressreader.com/india/hindustan-times-delhi/20180722/281573766483120
- https://thepatriot.in/reports/delhi-isbts-crumble-under-heat-neglect-and-official-apathy-68469
Visitor reviews
“Found it exactly where the internet said it would be, disappointingly intact. It is a cautionary tale you can stand next to.”
“Wandered up from the bus station next door, which was also unfinished. The junction it was meant to fix now has a plaque and two problems.”
“Came here on a heritage walk that had clearly lost the plot. The soil test was optimistic and the soil disagreed.”
