Mini Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) remains underutilized despite Rs 12-crore investment

Staff reporter

Guwahati: The much-hyped Mini Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) at Khanapara, inaugurated on January 1 with the aim of decongesting Betkuchi ISBT and streamlining intercity bus operations, is yet to serve its purpose effectively. Despite being equipped with modern amenities—including waiting rooms, food stalls, washrooms, a lactation room, and a guesthouse—the Rs 12-crore facility remains largely underutilized.

Planned as part of Assam State Transport Corporation’s (ASTC) larger vision to modernize the state’s public transport system and transition Guwahati’s bus fleet to over 456 electric buses by 2026, the Mini ISBT has failed to attract both passengers and operators.

An ASTC official admitted that while the infrastructure is ready, the terminal’s effectiveness is severely hampered by weak enforcement from the District Transport Office (DTO) and traffic police. “Public awareness is low, and passengers are still reluctant to use the terminal,” the official said. He also mentioned that though ticket counters and online booking tie-ups have been set up, coordination gaps persist.

Traffic police personnel stated that buses bound for Upper Assam often bypass the terminal, choosing instead to pick up passengers near the Khanapara flyover and Jorabat. “When we stop buses from idling on the flyover, we face backlash from passengers,” an officer explained, pointing to the lack of cooperation from both the public and operators.

Adding to the confusion, online platforms frequently label pickup points vaguely as “Khanapara,” while many passengers continue waiting by the roadside. Allegations of illegal roadside ticketing, overcharging, and lack of receipts near the flyover have also raised concerns about corruption and poor oversight.

The Mini ISBT, envisioned as a solution to chaotic bus operations in the city, now finds its future dependent on strict rule enforcement, better coordination among ASTC, traffic authorities, and private operators, as well as creating public awareness about the terminal’s facilities and benefits.

Also Read: Guwahati: Assam State Transport Corporation to Set Up Mini ISBT at Khanapara

Also Watch: