By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 31: The Shillong Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) at Mawiong, which recently reopened after a two-year hiatus, is in urgent need of overhauling and renovation.
A visit to the facility revealed that despite the resumption of services, the infrastructure remains in a dilapidated state. The paint on the walls is peeling, sections of the structure are damaged, and several chairs in the waiting area are broken. Additionally, the washrooms are poorly maintained.
While almost all inter-state buses have shifted operations back to the ISBT, passengers continue to struggle with poor connectivity to the city. Travelling to Mawiong remains difficult and expensive, forcing some commuters to rely on bike taxis. Inside the terminal, most stalls remain closed, leaving passengers with limited options for food and refreshments.
A state government official said the facility will be renovated and the current issues addressed now that the terminal is finally operational.
The ISBT had remained closed due to load restrictions on the Umiam Dam bridge, where retrofitting work was underway. During that period, inter-state buses operated from a temporary lay-by near Umiam Lake, causing significant inconvenience to commuters and operators. The facility was able to reopen this week following the completion of the Umiam Dam bypass road, which now allows heavy vehicles to safely access the area.
