VIJAYAWADA: The Pandit Nehru Bus Station (PNBS), Asia’s second biggest bus terminal and the gateway for the new capital Amaravati is all set to entertain its commuters with a miniplex at the arrival block of the terminal.
The news will excite film-lovers and passengers who have to kill time waiting for busses for long distance destinations. As of now, the works are going on at a brisk pace and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is likely to inaugurate the miniplex on May 25.
The APSRTC authorities have come up with this initiative as part of improving amenities in the station and to augment revenue for the corporation to overcome the debts. The corporation has entrusted the works to city-based APIMS India Private Limited to construct the miniplex with screens named as ‘Y-screens’.
The works of miniplex were taken up in 4,356 square feet area on the arrival block of the terminal, with an estimated cost of Rs 1.3 crore. The miniplex features two screens with 135 seating capacity each. Dolby digital sound system was installed in the miniplex to provide better sound quality for film-lovers. The miniplex used 3D-technology and satellite-based screening. It has attached food courts and shopping opportunity for the commuters.
‘I am eagerly waiting to watch films in the miniplex coming up on PNBS terminal as the ticket price is not much compared to multiplexes in the city. The initiative of RTC authorities will definitely yield a better result, besides augmenting revenue for the corporation,” opined Ch Jagadeesh, MBA graduate.
‘We want all sections of public to afford the tickets. Hence, we have priced the ticket at Rs 80. This pricing would enthuse all classes of movie buffs to come at least once a week’, said APSRTC Krishna Regional Manager, P Rama Rao.
The RM also informed that the space at the PNBS terminal would be leased out to such activities in the coming days. Plans are afoot by the corporation to construct miniplexes at the major bus terminals across the State, soon after the completion of works at PNBS terminal, he added.
For Passengers’ Entertainment
4,356 square feet area on the arrival block of the terminal used for miniplex
A1.3crore spent for the set up2 screens, 135 seating capacity for each
3D technology and satellite-based screening used for playing movies
A80 Each ticket to cost