SHILLONG, May 15: Passengers and bus operators heaved a sigh of relief as the Shillong ISBT at Mawiong resumed bus operations on Friday after a gap of two years.
The ISBT remained shut due to restrictions on the movement of heavy vehicles on the road over the Umiam Dam, where retrofitting works were being carried out. During this period, inter-state buses were forced to operate from a temporary lay-by near Umiam Lake, causing inconveniences to both commuters and transport operators.
To address the issue, the Meghalaya government constructed the Umiam Dam bypass road in record time. With its inauguration earlier this week, buses can now safely access Shillong, paving the way for the resumption of bus operations from the ISBT.
A group of journalists visited the ISBT on Friday to see the arrangements as the multi-crore facility was welcoming high-end buses and passengers again.
A passenger, Robin Sharma, who was travelling to Siliguri, welcomed the ISBT’s reopening, saying that this is much more convenient than waiting by the roadside in Umiam to board a bus. He urged the state government to establish a transport link between the ISBT and Shillong.
With the reopening of the ISBT, shops operating there also resumed operations, although only a few have reopened.
Pranjal Kumar Saikia, who operated a chartered bus on the Shillong-Siliguri route, expressed satisfaction, stating that operating buses from Umiam posed several challenges, including the absence of proper restrooms and waiting sheds for passengers and staff. An attendant of Easy Bus operating on the same route said that they were very happy with the idea, as the ISBT offers better security and proper facilities.
High-end buses, including Volvo coaches, are now operating from the ISBT. One of the buses is equipped with an onboard bio-toilet and Wi-Fi.
During the visit, it was felt that the ISBT needs immediate renovation of its infrastructure, besides the establishment of a reliable and affordable transport link between the facility and Shillong.
