Bhadrak, 1st Aug 2025: Despite an investment of over ₹50 crore, the new bus stand near Dakshina Kali Temple in Bhadrak town remains non-operational and has instead turned into a hotspot for anti-social activities.
With the initiative of then-MP Ananta Prasad Sethi, former municipal chairperson Biren Palei, and former MLA Prafulla Samal, over 5 acres of land near the Dakshina Kali Temple were identified for constructing a new bus terminal. The construction work began in 2006, and in 2024, another ₹4.72 crore was spent on beautification. However, this has largely been seen as cosmetic painting, with no functional improvements made.
A Project Three Decades in the Making, Still Incomplete
Although envisioned in the 1990s, the bus stand has not yet become operational. Public money continues to be spent with little accountability, leading to increasing public resentment. Locals sarcastically remark that all that’s been done is painting the premises, and that too with crores spent like pouring water on sand.
At night, the facility has turned into a garage and a den for substance abusers and miscreants. Commuters avoid the place out of fear and continue to rely on Banta Chhak (an unofficial bus stop), which lacks even basic passenger amenities, especially at night. Passengers have reported facing severe difficulties, particularly due to lack of rest areas and lighting.
Public Frustration and Questions of Accountability
The people of Bhadrak are questioning: Who is responsible for this decades-old incomplete project? Who will be held accountable for the misuse of public funds?
Even after multiple inaugurations—first by former CM Naveen Patnaik, and more recently on June 2nd by current Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi—the bus stand is yet to become functional. Every time there’s a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, it is followed by silence and no progress.
Efforts, Promises & Political Tussles
Three months ago, the district administration held a meeting with the local bus syndicate, the municipality, and transport authorities to discuss operationalization of the new facility. As per Bhadrak Bus Syndicate President Shrinibas Pati, there was consensus that the bus stand would soon become functional, with nighttime transport arrangements to and from Banta Chhak and other key locations.
Bhadrak District Collector Dillip Kumar Rautaray confirmed that the process to make the bus stand operational has begun, and promised that within a few months it will be fully functional.
Reportedly, since 1993, when Bhadrak became a separate district, efforts have been underway to build a proper bus stand. Even though land acquisition and boundary construction started in the 1990s, the project remains incomplete to this day.
What’s Next?
The Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) has floated a tender for managing the new facility. Through this, 47 employees will be recruited for operations. However, the hiring process itself has become entangled in political controversy, further delaying the opening.
The people of Bhadrak remain hopeful, but skeptical, that the long-awaited bus stand will finally become functional—not just in name, but in reality.