TOBA TEK SINGH: There is no general bus stand for transport operators and passengers in Kamalia city.

A bus stand which was established some 40 years ago on a rented piece of land on Toba Road was closed after a court order in favour of the landowner five years ago.

Later, the Kamalia Municipal Committee bought nine kanals and six marlas for Rs20 million for the bus stand but the construction of roads, terminals and waiting sheds could not be completed due to the lack of funds, though the MC collects parking fees from buses and vans without providing them parking facility at the bus stand.

For the current financial year, parking fee collection of the general bus stand contract was auctioned for Rs7.8 million.

Though the staff of the contractor collects parking fees from the buses and vans, passengers have to get on the running buses and vans putting their lives in danger. If drivers stop their vehicles to pick passengers, traffic police challan them.

Accidents also take place when passengers try to get on the running buses and vans.

Provincial Minister for Women’s Development Begum Ashfa Fatyana said the World Bank was spending Rs350 million on the development of Kamalia, and hopefully bus stand would be part of the plan.

Kamalia Assistant Commissioner Zaryab Sajid Kamboh said a few days ago, a World Bank team visited Kamalia and also inspected the incomplete site of the bus stand.

He said Rs45m had been sought for the completion of the bus stand.

Published in Dawn, February 22nd, 2022