Panel on ISBT discusses comprehensive plan

SHILLONG: The high-powered committee constituted at district level has made a comprehensive plan about the functioning of the upcoming interstate bus terminus (ISBT) on the outskirts of Tura town.
Speaking to The Shillong Times on Saturday, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Pravin Bakshi informed that the high-powered committee headed by Noverfield R. Marak, Parliamentary Secretary (Urban Affairs), and John Leslee Sangma, co-chairman of the panel, had a meeting to discuss the operation of ISBT.
Bakshi said the committee will soon have a meeting with different bus and pick-up vehicle associations and they have to be brought on board for the successful operations of ISBT. “Since ISBT is slightly far from the town, we will need many feeder services,” he added.
As per the comprehensive plan, buses will ply to and from the terminus since early morning and it continue till late night. The committee has also discussed about embarking and disembarking and lay bye for the feeder service.
The State Government is yet to decide on how ISBT buses should function and whether it should be operated by the Urban Affairs or the Transport Department.
Bakshi said ISBT is almost complete and only 5 per cent work is left. Also, small shops will come up at the terminus.
Congestion in the overcrowded Tura town is likely to be reduced to a large extent with the State’s first interstate bus terminus.
The Central government had sanctioned Rs 45 crore, which covered 90 per cent of the total project cost, and NBCC bore the remaining 10 per cent. ISBT will accommodate 50 buses plying to and from all corners of the State to Tura.