Passengers face problem of plenty at 'hastily-inaugurated' Netaji Bus Terminal in Cuttack    

Even though six days have passed since the Netaji Bus Terminal, built at an estimated cost of Rs 90 crore at Khannagar in Cuttack, was inaugurated, passengers visiting the terminal are at their receiving end. 

Prior to the inauguration of the terminal, there were three bus stands-Badambadi Bus Stand, Angul Bus Stand and Puri Bus Stand-in Cuttack City. Now after the inauguration of the terminal, passengers are coming to the terminal to go to their destinations. Reaching the terminal, they are reportedly facing many problems. They alleged that drinking water facility is not available at the terminal. There are water purifiers installed at the terminal but they are yet to be connected with the supply pipe. 

As if the non-functional water kiosks were not enough, the shops constructed at the terminal are also lying closed. Had they been opened, the passengers could have bought water bottles from them. Since the shops haven’t been opened as yet, the passengers are also facing problem to get food items. 

For sitting arrangements, there are benches at the terminal. But no fan has been installed above them as a result the passengers are experiencing hardship. 

With there being not a single signboard informing the passengers about the route of the buses, a passenger allegedly visits as many as 20 buses to find his/her bus. The display boards are also not working. 

It has been alleged that the terminal has been inaugurated hurriedly. 

Notably, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the said terminal on September 16. 

But, Barabati-Cuttack MLA Mohammad Moquim questioned the way the incomplete project was inaugurated. 

“We are opposing the way the bus terminal is being inaugurated in a hurried manner. The dedicated route for bus movement has not been finalised and the state government has not given employment to the local youths,” he had said.