ISBT blues: 80 pc of work on alternate road ongoing

SHILLONG, Dec 1: The state government has informed that 80% of the work on the alternative road connecting the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) with Umroi is currently under way, with efforts being made to ensure speedy completion of the project.
“More or less 80% of the work is in progress. The alignment issue was challenging, but the engineers and contractors addressed it, and we hope it will be completed soon,” said Deputy Chief Minister in charge of PWD (Roads), Prestone Tynsong.
When asked about the timeline for completion, Tynsong stated, “We are doing everything possible to finish the project as early as we can. I cannot give an exact date, but our goal is to complete it soon to facilitate the operations of night super buses as well.”
The Deputy Chief Minister also mentioned that regular review meetings are being conducted to monitor and expedite the project.
The government is grappling with a significant challenge as the Rs 48-crore ISBT, inaugurated with much fanfare three years ago by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, remains non-operational. The only proposed solution is the completion of this alternative road, which is expected to be ready within a year.
The ISBT, constructed at a cost of Rs 48 crore, now stands deserted after night buses and trucks were barred from using the renovated Umiam Dam route. Private bus operators have ceased their operations from the terminal, leaving the once-bustling hub abandoned. This has not only disrupted bus services but also adversely affected the livelihoods of shop owners and others who relied on the facilities within the ISBT. Meanwhile, night buses have been relocated to operate from Umiam.