Ultra-modern bus terminal project falters amid administrative impasse in Baripada

Baripada: A recent decision taken by Mayurbhanj administration on August 26 to develop the existing and dilapidated bus stand in Baripada town of the district as a model terminus at an estimated cost of Rs 3.56 crore triggered strong resentment among many local denizens, today.

Previously, an ultra-modern bus stand was to be constructed on a demarcated land measuring about five acres located at Dargadahi on the outskirts of Baripada town. Accordingly, a master plan was also prepared for the purpose, which was sent to state Transport Department for approval.

For reasons not known yet, the ultra-modern bus terminal project could not materialise.

Number of vehicles in Baripada town has increased manifold over years keeping pace with the rising population, thereby causing severe traffic snarls. Buses are being parked on roadsides and movement of heavy vehicles on narrow roads in the town worsens the traffic problem, the locals alleged.

Ideally, instead of developing the old bus stand, construction of the earlier proposed ultra-modern bus terminal project should be started soon. As the existing bus stand now has inadequate open space, it becomes very difficult to accommodate even five to six buses at a time, the residents added.

Due to unavailability of space, buses plying through Baripada town are now illegally being parked on roadsides stretching from Ambika Temple up to Jagannath Temple and from Satyasai Square up to the nearby Railway line. Traffic congestion makes civic life miserable during office hours.

Some influential people in Baripada town have been trying to take possession of the five-acre land, a source said. Hence, the district administration should reconsider constructing the ultra-modern bus terminal at Dargadahi locality, many residents including local intelligentsia demanded.

“Baripada residents should unite and oppose the renovation of old bus stand in the town and support construction of proposed ultra-modern bus terminal,” echoing the same view, some local social activists namely Chandan Sejpada, Bijay Kumar Behera, Nirakar Behera, Mamatarani Moharana said.