NE gets first ISBT at Guwahati

Guwahati, Dec 8 (UNI) The Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT), first of its kind in the North East, was opened here today.

The ISBT is expected to ease traffic congestion here and also to ensure better facilities to commuters.

Built at an expenditure of Rs 25.68 crore, the terminus is situated on the outskirts of Guwahati on the NH 37.

With 64 platforms, 500 buses could be parked at the ISBT compound together.

However, the terminus would be operational fully after the National Games in February as the premises would be used for games purposes.

Taking part in the opening ceremony, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said, '' This bus terminus has fulfilled a long need of the people of the region. '' He announced that the international bus terminus at Silchar was ready for opening and would be inaugurated soon.

The C M said the national highway from Nagaon to Dibrugarh would be converted to a four-lane and East-West corridor extended up to Silchar.

Transport Minister Chandan Brahma said ISBTs would also be built at Jorhat, Kokrajhar, Tezpur and Tinsukia, besides truck terminus at Srirampur and Buxrihat.

'' The North East Council has already cleared Rs 11 crore and Rs 10 crore for ISBTs at Jorhat and Kokrajhar respectively, '' he added.

Taking part in the function, Guwahati Development Department Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma said the bus depot would help ease traffic congestion in the city.

''The passengers will also be benefited as they get all facilities under one roof, '' he added.

Mr Sharma informed that the Master Plan - 2025, for developing Guwahati into a model city, would be announced in January.

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