Khordha New Bus Stand Chokes on Garbage; Commuters Deprived of Basic Amenities

Accumulated Waste, Foul Smell and Inadequate Facilities Make Life Miserable for Passengers.

DILLIP KUMAR PATTNAIK

KHORDHA, NOVEMBER 5:- The New Bus Stand in Khordha town has turned into a glaring example of civic mismanagement, unhygienic conditions and administrative apathy. Despite witnessing the daily movement of hundreds of passengers travelling to different destinations, the bus stand lacks even the most basic amenities, causing considerable inconvenience to commuters.
Essential facilities such as safe drinking water, functional toilets and a proper waiting hall are either inadequate or unavailable, leaving passengers to fend for themselves while waiting for buses.

The bus stand premises have remained littered with heaps of garbage for a prolonged period, creating an unhealthy environment across the area. The situation has further deteriorated due to instances of open defecation and urination by some local residents within the premises, making the surroundings extremely foul-smelling and unhygienic.

There are also allegations that some employees of the Khordha Municipality bring garbage collected from different parts of the town and dump it inside the bus stand premises. Besides, shopkeepers operating within and around the bus stand allegedly dispose of their shop waste indiscriminately. Consequently, heaps of garbage continue to accumulate, while the stench emanating from the waste has made the area increasingly unpleasant for passengers and the public.
It may be recalled that the state government had earlier initiated a tender process involving an investment of several crores of rupees for the modernisation of the bus stand and construction of a new bus terminal. However, the tender process was subsequently cancelled, reportedly citing the lack of necessary infrastructure. Since then, no clear decision has emerged on whether a new bus terminal will be constructed or the existing facility will be renovated. The bus stand has also remained deprived of essential repairs and maintenance for years.
Inadequate lighting arrangements across the premises have added to the concerns of passengers, particularly during night hours. Those travelling to distant destinations and waiting for buses late at night remain vulnerable to possible security threats, including harassment and attacks by anti-social elements. The absence of adequate illumination has heightened apprehensions over passenger safety, making immediate measures to strengthen security imperative.
The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) had originally constructed the bus stand, while its maintenance responsibility was subsequently handed over to the Khordha Municipality. However, despite the passage of more than three decades, the facility has failed to witness any significant improvement. Its deteriorating condition is not only making public transport increasingly inconvenient but also tarnishing the image, cleanliness and aesthetic appeal of Khordha town.
In view of the prevailing situation, residents and commuters have demanded an immediate intervention by the concerned higher authorities, including a thorough assessment of the existing conditions and a time-bound decision on the construction of a new bus terminal or comprehensive renovation of the present facility.
They have also urged the authorities to ensure regular cleaning of the premises, proper garbage disposal, essential repairs, adequate lighting and effective security arrangements. Until a final decision is taken on the proposed new bus terminal and the necessary land and infrastructure-related formalities are completed, the authorities must ensure that the existing bus stand is maintained properly and equipped with minimum passenger amenities, including drinking water, functional toilets and a waiting hall.
Commuters believe that a bus stand serving as an important public transport facility in the district headquarters town should not be allowed to remain in such a deplorable condition and that the municipality must take immediate steps to restore basic civic amenities and public hygiene.