The Improvement of Bus Terminal at Luhuradhipa and Relocation of OSRTC Bus Stand for Better Passenger Facilities
Sundargarh district headquarters in Odisha has long grappled with inadequate bus infrastructure, where the existing OSRTC (Odisha State Road Transport Corporation) bus stand struggles to meet modern passenger needs. Operating from an older facility in the town center, it lacks essential amenities such as a proper rest shed, sufficient ticket counters, clean public toilets, and adequate waiting areas. Commuters, especially those relying on early morning services starting around 5 A.M., face significant hardships including exposure to weather, long queues, and basic hygiene issues. These deficiencies not only inconvenience daily travelers but also hinder the overall efficiency of public transport in a growing town.
In response to these challenges, the government constructed a new bus terminal at Luhuradhipa (also spelled Lahurdhipa), approximately 1 km from the existing stand, on about 4.7 acres of land. Initiated around 2014-2015 with an investment of roughly ₹2.30 crore (including contributions from the periphery development fund of Mahanadi Coalfields Limited), the project aimed to provide a spacious, modern alternative. However, the terminal has faced prolonged delays in full operationalization. Reports from 2018 highlighted it remaining abandoned and unutilized for over 20 months post-completion, with vandalism damaging doors, windows, and other fittings due to neglect and lack of security or maintenance by local authorities like Sundargarh Municipality.
Recent indications suggest gradual progress and partial activity at the site. Business registrations (e.g., companies like RRK Publicbazzar Private Limited) list addresses "Near Tata Motors at New Bus Stand, Luhuradhipa," implying some commercial development and presence around the area. Municipal tenders in 2024 for drainage construction at Luhuradhipa Bus Stand further point to ongoing infrastructure work. References in maps, local transport mentions, and social media discussions describe it as the "New Bus Stand," with elements like motorcycle parking and security in place, though it still lags behind the upgraded, modern facilities seen in other district headquarters like Koraput (approved for ₹91 crore redevelopment into a multi-storey terminal) or Jharsuguda.
This disparity underscores a broader need for alignment with Odisha's state-level initiatives. The Ama Bus Stand Scheme, approved by the Cabinet in 2024 with ₹6,164.80 crore over six years, targets developing and renovating bus stands across districts in phases, focusing on modern amenities: waiting lounges, digital ticketing, organized bays, clean sanitation, and passenger-friendly designs. Similar efforts under Atal Bus Stands aim to create well-planned facilities at block levels. Sundargarh's new terminal at Luhuradhipa could benefit immensely from integration into these schemes, transforming it into a fully functional hub.
Relocating OSRTC operations from the old stand to Luhuradhipa would address core passenger grievances by offering expanded space, better security, rest areas, proper lighting, and integrated facilities. It would reduce congestion in the town center, improve traffic flow, and enhance safety for early and late-hour travelers. The shift would also support eco-friendly and inclusive transport goals, aligning with expansions like electric buses under Ama Bus services.
To realize this vision, urgent steps are needed: expediting full handover and upgradation under Ama Bus Stand or similar programs, providing security and maintenance, installing modern amenities, and coordinating between OSRTC, Sundargarh Municipality, and the district administration. With sustained effort, the Luhuradhipa terminal can become a model facility, easing hardships for thousands of commuters and boosting Sundargarh's connectivity in line with Odisha's push for superior public transport infrastructure.
Sanjay Pattnayak
Sundargarh
