Opened in 2016, now ISBT looks like a deserted haunted place
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 28 2022: The Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) which was constructed using a large chunk of money from the State exchequer at Khuman Lampak is in a pitiable condition today with no renovation or maintenance works in sight.

Owing to Government's apathy, the only bus terminus of Manipur which was launched in November 2016 to ease the transport system of the State is merely existing as a muddy and dusty open space which accommodates only a few passenger vehicles and trucks.

The entire complex of ISBT is also worn out and its ground is filled with potholes, let alone facilities like drinking water and restrooms.

The ISBT also has only one unhygienic toilet facility which emanates a foul smell to the passers-by.

Opened in 2016, now ISBT looks like a deserted haunted place

Due to all these mess, all buses providing inter-State services are being stationed at North AOC instead, but the same causes traffic congestion occasionally, especially during office hours.

The disturbance being caused by the parking of many buses and other vehicles like wingers are so immense that it occupies almost half of the road on both sides/lanes of the North AOC area, often causing traffic congestion.

One office goer Keithellakpam Johnson pointed out that unethical parking of buses and other vehicles along North AOC and other areas in Imphal City is a burden to commuters as it often causes traffic congestion and sometimes road mishaps, specially during the peak hours.

An authority from the maintenance section of ISBT, on the condition of anonymity, decried that the Government pays little or no attention to the maintenance and repairing of the only bus terminus of the State.

He also said that there were multiple instances when passengers from other States who arrived at night shared a space for food and lodging due to the non availability of restrooms at ISBT.

He also asked the State Government to deploy some security personnel at the bus terminal as many drug users congregate there at night.

Anwar Hussain, a 29 year old truck driver stated that the bus terminus does not have any facility and driving inside the campus is a curse during the rainy season due to inundation of water.

Meanwhile, a reliable source in the Transport Department informed that the department has submitted a proposal to renovate ISBT to the State Government.

When this reporter tried to meet the Transport Director multiple times in this regard, all was in vain as a staff conveyed that she was busy with meetings and other work.