The hopes of travellers expecting to use a newly-refurbished Puduraya bus terminal this Aidilfitri may be dashed as work on the 33-year-old station is nowhere near completion.

Despite having been shut down since April 12 to facilitate renovation worth RM52 million, a survey by Bernama found steel structures, sand piles and machinery, indicating the amount of work left to transform the terminal into a modern transport hub.

NONE Puduraya's management, Uda Holdings Bhd, had targeted to complete the face-lift and have the terminal up and running by Aidilfitri, but many are unconvinced it could be achieved.

A worker, who declined to be named, said he estimated the terminal to be fully operational, but only three months from now.

"There is no way it can be completed by Hari Raya... look at the floors, escalator, signboards and even the wiring... they have not been completed.

"There's much left to do," he said in a recent interview in Kuala Lumpur.

Another worker pointed out that renovation on the lower floors and fourth floor had yet to be completed.

"Even if we do it immediately, it will take two or three more months. I doubt it could be done in time for the festive season," he said.

Uda Holdings declined comment

According to a Kuala Lumpur City Hall enforcement staff member, there might be several reasons causing the delay.

NONE He said it was possible that the contractor received the construction materials late, which then affected the flow of refurbishing works.

"There are still a lot of steel and sand left... you can tell that the new station will not be ready by Hari Raya," he added.

Meanwhile, Uda Holdings corporate communications acting manager Zuhaznim Izzudin declined comment on the opening date of the terminal.

He said a statement would be made within a fortnight.

“There are several things we need to finalise first, and a statement on the opening of Puduraya will be issued in two weeks' time,” he said.

- Bernama