The protest by the private bus owners against temporary relocation of the City Bus Stand in Brahmapur reached the second day on Wednesday.
The Ganjam Bus Owners Association on Tuesday submitted a memorandum to the State Transport and Commerce Minister protesting a public notice issued by the Vice-Chairman, BDA informing to close the City Bus Stand on the pretext of renovation.
The association claimed further that the renovation of the City Bus Stand would not serve the interest of the public, rather it would put the common people in great difficulties as adequate measures have not been taken for plying buses to Haladiapadar bus terminal which is located on outskirts of the city.
They reminded the Transport and Commerce Minister of the proceedings of the meeting held on July 3, 2018 in which the State administration realising the problems of the private bus owners had assured to take necessary measures such as safe entrance and exit points touching NH-16 along with construction of an over bridge at Haladiapadar Bus Stand terminal.
When there is absolutely no change on the ground and the problems are same as it is today, how the BDA authorities and the district administration are forcing the bus owners to use Haladiapadar terminal under the plea for renovating the City Bus Stand? They asked.
The commuters have to cover 15km additional distance via Gopalpur junction to reach Haladiapadar, the memorandum said.
For smooth passenger transportation, the association suggested three alternative measures to the district administration which include (i) operate the buses from City Bus Stand by utilising half of the existing space and the other half for renovation, (ii) Ganjam Hatapadia near Corporation Road may be provided for buses till the renovation of the City Bus Stand is completed, (iii) garbage dumping yard located in front of entrance gate of City Bus Stand may be provided for two months for parking buses.
According to information available, the association had submitted the proposals to the BDA and the district Collector in their meeting held on November 25 but they were reportedly turned down.