Shops in mofussil bus stand building to reopen on May 26
Shops in the mofussil bus stand building that were shut down following a recent fire will reopen from Monday (May 26).
Representatives of the Mofussil Bus Stand Licensees Association, Vyapari Vyavasayi Samithi, and the Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi participated in a meeting convened by Mayor Beena Philip on Friday (May 23), during which the Kozhikode Corporation assured full cooperation to expedite the reopening of the shops.
Meanwhile, representatives of the Electrical Inspectorate and the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) noted that the building's electrical network was completely damaged in the fire. They said that temporary repairs could pose serious risks and recommended complete replacement of cables and panels.
A decision was taken in the meeting to speed up re-electrification on a war footing under the Disaster Management Rule, aiming for completion within three weeks. In the first phase, panels will be replaced and power connections will be provided to each shop. The licensees will carry out internal wiring for their shops. Electrification of the common areas will follow in the second phase. The KSEB has been directed to regulate the connected load as requested by the licensees. The Corporation and the police agreed to allow the temporary use of generators to power the shops.
Licensees have also been instructed to update fire safety measures in their shops. Common fire safety measures will be implemented throughout the building. The superintending engineer has reported that the building has no structural stability issues, and hence, the fire debris will be cleared immediately by the Corporation's Health Wing in preparation for reopening.
The Corporation also decided to speed up the project for a complete renovation of the mofussil bus stand building. Steps will also be taken to evict unauthorised vendors in the building.
The licensees and trade organisations agreed to the Corporation's terms and extended full cooperation. Deputy Mayor C.P. Musafar Ahamed, chairpersons of various standing committees, councillors, and officials from the Corporation, KSEB, Electrical Inspectorate, police, and the Fire and Rescue Services department attended the meeting.
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