Sambalpur: Lakhmitalkies Bus Stand Turns Into Market; No Space for Buses
Sambalpur: The Lakhmitalkies government bus stand in Sambalpur has become an active marketplace. Visitors to the market park their vehicles haphazardly, leaving no space for buses to park. This 56-year-old bus stop has become a hub for market activities during the day and a hangout for antisocial elements after dark. Basic amenities such as toilets, restrooms, and drinking water are missing. Passengers arriving or departing in the evening report feeling unsafe.
Public Dissatisfaction and Administrative Indifference
Despite repeated reports in the media, the district administration, municipal corporation, and transportation department remain unconcerned, causing widespread public discontent. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a temporary market was established in the open space to minimize crowding and prevent the virus from spreading. However, two years after the pandemic, the municipal administration has made no efforts to relocate the market, which still occupies the bus stand area.
No Space for Buses Amid Market Crowding
The market opens in the morning and runs until around noon, with people crowding to buy groceries. Even when buses arrive, there is no room to park. The area is also congested with two-wheelers and livestock. Despite requests from the municipal corporation to relocate the market, the relevant departments have ignored the matter. Essential amenities typically found in a government bus stop are absent here. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the public is calling for immediate action from the district administration.
Safety Concerns Due to Antisocial Activities
Furthermore, at any time of day, people can be seen drinking alcohol on the road leading to the bus stop. In the evening, antisocial individuals congregate, raising additional safety concerns. Despite the fact that the Town Police Station is only a few hundred meters away, these people are not afraid.
Online Sambalpur Is Now On WhatsApp!
Join us for the latest news updates delivered directly to your WhatsApp.
Historical Significance of the Sambalpur Bus Stand
Historically, over a hundred buses, including ordinary, express, and sleeper buses, traveled from the Sambalpur government bus stand to various districts and states. The bus stop used to be extremely busy at all times. Travelers from distant places would spend the night at the bus stop before continuing their journey. However, due to the actions of alcoholics, people no longer feel safe. Bus operations from the stand have decreased significantly. Only about 20 to 25 buses run daily, including express and air-conditioned buses. Buses depart from Sambalpur for Bhawanipatna, Khariar Road, Phulbani, Rajkhariar, Gaisilet, Murmund, Berhampur, Sunabeda, Baleswar, Bhubaneswar, and Mukhiguda. In addition, there is a regular air-conditioned bus service to Raipur.
1968 Government Bus Stand
According to sources, until the 1950s, the Sambalpur bus stop was located near Lakhmitalkies Square in the ‘Aahar’ center. Initially, buses were parked beneath trees, and later, an office was constructed. The current government bus stand, known as Crawford Park at the time, was inaugurated on August 15, 1968. A bus body building and repair center was also established on Farm Road.
