Sambalpur: No Bus Stops in City, Passengers Wait Under Open Sky; Bus Stops Essential for Transport System Improvement
Sambalpur: Despite city buses running on multiple routes in Sambalpur, the city still lacks proper bus stops. Currently, buses halt along busy roads, causing inconvenience to passengers and traffic congestion. Passengers, especially students and working women, wait for buses under the open sky during hot summers and heavy rain. This issue is causing concern among daily commuters.
City Bus Service on Major Routes
The city launched the ‘Mo Bus’ service in 2024, which was later renamed to ‘Ama Bus’. These buses now operate on three major routes: from City Railway Station via Ainthapali to Khetrajpur Main Railway Station; from Ainthapali Bus Stand via Laxmi Talkies and Kacheri Chowk to Burla; and from Ainthapali Bus Stand to Hirakud. Both AC and non-AC buses run at regular short intervals, making this service the city’s primary mode of public transport. Most of the daily commuters are students and working women.
However, No Designated Bus Shelters Exist
Unfortunately, there are no proper bus shelters with roofs or independent bus bays in the entire city. According to regulations, a bus stop should have a roof, proper signage displaying route numbers, and names of stops in multiple languages. Apart from the newly constructed Ring Road, not a single location in the city has such a standard bus stop.
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As a result, buses halt directly along the roadside in places like Fatak Flyover, Laxmi Talkies, District Collector Office, Church Chowk, and Kacheri Chowk, causing traffic jams. Commuters stand on the roadsides, exposed to harsh weather, while waiting. Mukesh Jariwal from Marwaripara highlighted the urgent need for dedicated and safe bus stop areas.
City Plans for New Bus Stops and Toilets
The Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) has announced plans to construct bus stops at various locations. Moreover, public toilets will also be built in crowded areas. All necessary procedures for this have been completed, and construction will begin soon. In fact, some toilet units have already been built. This update was shared by officials from SMC’s mechanical department.
While the city bus service is active and helpful, the lack of basic infrastructure like bus shelters continues to trouble commuters. People expect the administration to act quickly and make commuting safe and comfortable.
