A newly built bus terminal in Kashipur, constructed at a cost of nearly Tk10 crore, has remained non-operational for three years, despite being planned to ease chronic congestion in Barishal city.
Built on around six acres at the Barishal truck terminal site, the three-phase project was scheduled for completion by 15 July 2023. Although authorities recently said the terminal could be opened within a week, the facility is yet to become functional on the ground.
The delay has left 113 bus counters unused, even as pressure mounts on the ageing Nathullabad terminal, which continues to handle both local and long-distance services.
The older terminal is struggling to cope. Its infrastructure has deteriorated, with plaster peeling off, while the number of buses has surged following the Padma Bridge opening. The result is severe congestion in the Nathullabad area, causing daily hardship for commuters.
The new terminal was expected to handle at least 1,500 long-distance buses daily. It includes dedicated entry and exit routes and a modern waiting area for passengers.
Barishal City Corporation Executive Officer Md Rezaul Bari said the new terminal was prepared primarily to separate long-distance buses from local services.
“Congestion occurs because all buses operate from the same terminal. The new facility is ready for use,” he said.
He added that progress stalled after a change in city leadership, but only minor work remains now.
“We will sit with bus owners. If they agree, the terminal can be handed over within seven days,” he said.
Barishal Metropolitan Police echoed similar concerns over congestion. Officials said the Nathullabad terminal, built on roughly 1.75 acres, was designed for around 200 buses but now accommodates nearly 500.
Vehicle movement in front of the terminal has also surged sharply, rising from about 12,000 to at least 32,000 daily.
Barishal Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam said the existing terminal is inadequate.
“It is not a proper bus terminal. Due to limited space, buses pick up and drop passengers on the road, creating traffic jams,” he said.
“The new terminal will solve these problems and benefit everyone,” he added.
However, the Nathullabad bus owners’ group has strongly opposed the relocation.
The group argues that the Kashipur site is designated for trucks, and moving buses there could trigger conflicts.
Barishal Nathullabad Bus Owners Group President Md Mosharaf Hossain said the terminal is not ready.
“The counters there were built for a truck terminal. Space for a bus terminal was allocated at Goria Para, where no work has been done,” he said.
“If buses move there, conflicts with trucks are inevitable. It will take at least two more years to complete the work,” he added.
General Secretary Md Monowar Hossain said the site is unsuitable for operations.
“The land is uneven and waterlogged during the monsoon. It is not possible to park buses there,” he said.
He also alleged irregularities in construction, claiming public funds had been misused.
A visit to the site showed more than half of the 113 stalls left open or damaged, with shutters removed in many cases. Parts of the terminal building are being used by ward councillors, while large sections remain overgrown and poorly maintained.
Facilities such as passenger shelters and rest areas are incomplete, and the RCC yard appears only partially developed.
According to the city corporation, about Tk5 crore has already been spent from two projects on buildings, boundary walls and the RCC yard. Another Tk4.42 crore was allocated from its own fund for stalls and related works, of which Tk2.68 crore has been spent so far.
Despite the spending, the terminal remains largely unusable. Locals said the area becomes unsafe after dark, often falling under the control of drug users.
Bus drivers say they continue to suffer.
“We have no place to rest and are forced to park on the road, facing constant harassment,” said driver Sabuj.
Another driver, Alamgir, said a functioning terminal would improve their conditions.
“We are still operating on the streets. If the new terminal opens, we will finally get some relief,” he said.
Barishal currently has two terminals at Nathullabad and Rupatali, handling around 3,600 buses daily.
