By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 29: The Shillong Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT), a project that was constructed at a cost of Rs 48 crore and inaugurated with much fanfare by Union Home Minister Amit Shah three years ago, has now become a ghost building. Private bus operators have ceased their operations from the ISBT, leaving the once-bustling hub deserted. This shutdown has not only impacted bus services but has also severely affected the livelihoods of those who operated shops and other facilities within the ISBT.
Raising alarm over the situation during a Zero Hour notice on Thursday, Mawlai MLA Brightstarwell Marbaniang pointed out that the state government recently renovated the Umiam dam with a massive investment of Rs 19.9 crore — a project that took over seven months to complete. However, due to restrictions at the dam, bus operators have been forced to halt their services from the ISBT, resulting in the facility being unused for over nine months.
Marbaniang expressed concern that the ISBT, a multi-crore project, has already become a ghost building and warned that the situation could lead to anti-social activities in the area. He questioned the government’s plans to utilise the ISBT effectively in light of the non-arrival of buses.
In response, Transport Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar informed the Assembly that the ISBT was handed over to the Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) to manage its operations. Before the closure, 29 interstate buses, including 17 private operators, were functioning from the ISBT. Dhar added that there were 22 occupied stalls and 12 unoccupied stalls within the ISBT, but tendering for the unoccupied stalls has been put on hold due to the current situation.
Dhar further disclosed that the total rent collected from outlets at the ISBT since its inception until March 2024 amounted to Rs 30.20 lakh, with a monthly rent collection of approximately Rs 5.08 lakh. However, the restrictions at Umiam dam have forced all bus operators, except the MTC, to cease their operations.
The Transport minister mentioned that the government had held a meeting to discuss the concerns of tenants and assured that a waiver on rent would be considered. Additionally, the government is exploring the possibility of constructing an additional road from the Mawlai Bypass, which would connect to the Shillong Bypass near the airport.
The Transport department plans to hold a meeting with the Public Works Department (PWD) to expedite the road’s construction. The government is also contemplating waiving parking fees for bus operators as a temporary relief measure.