Eight years already have passed, Rajshahi city’s Sheroil bus terminal has not yet been shifted to Naodapara, beside the city.
Rajshahi Development Authority (RDA) decided to shift the bus stand to avoid traffic jam and unwanted accidents.
RDA built Naodapara Bus terminal in 2004 on 7.41 acres land at the cost of Tk 7.5 cores. In 2011, RDA transferred this terminal to transport owners but inter-district and local buses still continue their movements from Sheroil bus stand which is situated beside the Rajshahi railway station in the city.
City’s different points like Goarhanga railgate, Vadra are being used as bus stoppages due to not transferring of the bus terminal. Naodapara bus terminal is just being used as a garage to keep local and inter district buses.
City’s planners argued that Sheroil bus terminal should be shifted to Naodapara as soon as possible to avoid traffic jam and keep the city safe. It is not too far from the city.
On the other hand, transport owners said that they pick the passengers from Railgate and Vadra for the security of passengers and transports. Besides, passengers would have to cost extra 30/40 taka to go to the Naodapara bus terminal.
Munjur Rahman Pitar, secretary of Bangladesh Sarak Paribahan, Rajshahi unit, said the local bus will continue their movement from Sheroil bus terminal. On the other hand, Rajshahi Bus-Labour Union’s convenor Rabiul Islam Kamal said, if we get administrative notice, we will operate buses from Naodapara.
Iftekhaer Alam, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police, said, “Grater road near Sheroil has been being used as a high way for the long time. Too many conflicts are engaged centering whether it would be used as high way or not. Roads and Highway Department and Rajshahi City Corporation play a vital role in this affair. We are trying our best to effectively shifting the bus stand to Naodapara.”
