Chhatrapur: Three newly built bus terminuses in Berhampur, Gopalpur and this town in Ganjam district are lying unused. This is because owners have refused to ply their buses from these terminals on the pretext of various reasons, sources informed Tuesday. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated these terminuses in 2016. Since then seven years have elapsed, but still they remain non-functional. Locals alleged that the district administration is also not making any efforts to make these bus stands operational. A total amount of more than Rs 25 crore has been spent on the construction of these terminuses.
So far, however, the public has failed to reap the benefits, sources said. Sources said that construction of a bus terminus was taken up on five acres of land at Haldiapadar in 2014 at an expense of Rs 13 crore to stem the burgeoning traffic problem and increasing road mishaps. Accidents and traffic snarls were on the rise following a sharp hike in population and in the number of four-wheelers in areas under the Berhampur Municipal Corporation. This terminus has facilities for parking over 100 buses, shops, toilets, restrooms, several booking counters, and garages. However, it wears a deserted look as there are no takers. Recently, the Kanishi tehsil office has been shifted to premises of this compound. Similarly, another terminus was constructed on 6.44 acres of land in this town which is the district headquarters.
However, buses do not ply from it. The third one at Gopalpur was built at a cost of Rs 6 crore, but now it seems that the money has gone down the drain. The non-functional bus terminals are causing acute hardships to the passengers. Buses are also stopping indiscriminately on the roads to pick up passengers causing problems for others. Bharatiya Vikash Parishad, a voluntary organisation has demanded immediate steps to make the three terminals operational. It has submitted memorandums to the RDC (South), the District Collector, the secretary, Berhampur Development Authority, and forwarded copies to the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary. The president of the organisation has warned of agitations if the three terminals do not start operations immediately