Sharjah bus station at Al Azra ready

The new fully-equipped Sharjah bus station at Al Azra area is now complete. According to a senior official, the station, located close to the new Dh55-million headquarter, occupies 88,000sqm and provides accommodation for staff workers and drivers.

However, the gas filling station is not ready yet.

Abdullah Al Zari, Director-General of Sharjah Transport, said the new building has been provided with all technical facilities required for maintenance, electrical and mechanical works.

“The bus station includes several offices for administrative staff and technicians, along with a workshop for public transport buses, garage for 300 buses at a time, fuel filling station, and a cleaning station.”

The station comprises a substation for recycling the water to be used in washing vehicles, and that will help save about 80 per cent of the total amount needed, using bacteria based treatment.

Ahmed Al Waqqad, Projects Manager at the corporation, said the project, in line with sustainable development, is part of Sharjah Transport’s efforts to complete and develop its infrastructure. “The new premises, including rooms, washing rooms, canteens, and leisure rooms, accommodate up to 400 drivers and staffers.”

A special design has been chosen to reflect the identity of the corporation and Islamic architecture adopted in all Sharjah government buildings in line with international standards. Adding, Al Waqqad said the Corporation’s new premises are built at the Waset Street on a total area of 4,570 square metres. “The building, comprising three floors has a library and the capacity to accommodate 200 employees, two prayer rooms for men and women, a cafeteria and conference room and is fully equipped with the most recent devices.”

Further rooms for training and service utilities, as well as a big parking for staff employees and applicants are also taken into account. “The building is also surrounded with wide green areas,” he said.Sharjah Transport is geared up to build eight new bus terminals worth Dh55 million, at Al Taawun, Wasit, Al Liyah, Industrial Area-5, Muweilah, Al Sajaa, Khorfakkan, Al Rifaa.

Al Zari said all the new substations, to be equipped in line with highest international standards, shall reflect the identity of the corporation and its future aspirations for sustainable transport. “Sharjah Transport has completed 125 out of 540 new shaded bus stops at 12 areas across Sharjah city.”

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com