Locals Demand Silchar–Lakhipur Bus Stand at Trunk Road, DC Assures Action

Residents from Joypur, Harinagar, Pailapool, Jirighat, Banskandi and several other localities under the Lakhipur Legislative Assembly constituency on Monday (September 8) submitted a memorandum to the Cachar District Commissioner demanding permission for a bus operation between Silchar and Lakhipur from the bus stand on Trunk Road near Cachar College, Silchar.

The locals highlighted that thousands of passengers from the region depend on buses every day, but with the current arrangement of buses departing from Rongpur, commuters face multiple difficulties. They pointed out that Rongpur, where there is no bus stand, lacks proper facilities such as toilets, waiting sheds and a ticket counter. Moreover, since it lies on the outskirts of Silchar, passengers are compelled to spend an additional Rs. 40 on auto fares to and from the town.

“As passengers, we face hardship daily because buses leave from Rongpur, where there is no proper bus stand. Buses just park on the side of the road, causing problems for other vehicles as well. We spend extra money just to get there, which is financially draining for daily commuters. Carrying goods is also difficult as we have to hire an auto separately. If buses are allowed to operate from the Bus Stand on Trunk Road point near Cachar College, like before, these problems will be solved,” said one passenger on behalf of the residents.

They further argued that permitting a bus stand for a limited number of buses would not worsen traffic congestion in the town, especially since the rise of e-rickshaws has already reduced the number of passenger buses on Silchar’s roads.

The residents informed that the administration has assured them the demand will be considered in an upcoming meeting with the Silchar Municipal Corporation and the District Transport Authority. “DC Sir told us that he shall talk to the Senior Superintendent of Police and solve this problem after Durga Puja,” the delegation said.