The Rourkela bus terminal. Picture by Uttam Kumar Pal

Rourkela, Sept. 18: The condition of the bus terminus in Rourkela is in a shambles as the building, adjoining market complex and the road leading to the bus stand are poorly maintained.

The local bus association members alleged that they had been complaining to the authorities about the poor condition of the only terminus in the town that caters to over 3 lakh people. But the authorities have so far taken no notice. The authorities said they were drawing up plans for the renovation of this 20-year-old bus stand.

Residents alleged that the building in which the ticket counters, offices of the bus associations and some shops are located, are not in a good condition as concrete slabs keep falling off every now and then. Besides, the condition of the nearby market complex building is also in a deplorable state.

“Not only the building, but also the road connecting to the bus stand is in such a condition that people prefer not to enter the terminus. The drains are choked and rainwater mixes with sewage to flood the entire bus terminus area. It becomes a stinking pool,” said Akshya Babu, a local bus union member.

The bus stand was built in 1993 for Rs 2.50 crore. At present, over 250 buses are parked at the terminus. These buses ply to different places in the state and outside from here.

The association members alleged that the Rourkela Development Authority collected large amount of money from them and the shopkeepers as taxes, but hardly paid any attention to its maintenance. Even basic amenities such as drinking water, lighting and restrooms are not available at this terminus.

“We are planning to carry out a total renovation of the bus stand, which needs proper planning,” said additional district magistrate R.N. Mishra.

Engineering member of the development authority Jaladhar Swain said they were working on preparing a detailed project report for the bus stand’s renovation.