Dibrugarh: In a decisive move to ease traffic congestion and enhance road safety, the Dibrugarh District Administration has ordered the relocation of the city's Bus and Traveller Stand to the Murlidhar Jalan Bus Terminus (MJBT) effective June 19. The order, issued by District Commissioner Bikram Kairi on Tuesday, marks a significant turning point for the bus terminal, which has remained largely underutilized since its construction nearly two decades ago.
Strategic Location of MJBT
The MJBT, located alongside AT Road (NH-37) near the Convoy Road Flyover on the city's outskirts, has long been an underused asset. Despite being purpose-built as Dibrugarh's main bus hub, most buses have historically bypassed the terminus, preferring to stop within the city, much to the frustration of planners and commuters. Notably, the MJBT enjoys a strategic advantage due to its proximity to the Dibrugarh Railway Station at Banipur, making it a convenient interchange point for passengers arriving or departing by train.
Immediate Trigger: Flyover Construction
The immediate catalyst for the administration's decision is the upcoming construction of the Amolapatty Junction Flyover. The Executive Engineer of the Public Works (Roads) Department, Dibrugarh, formally raised concerns that the flyover project would exacerbate traffic congestion within the city during construction and could increase the risk of road accidents, as the proposed service road would be suitable only for light motor vehicles and two-wheelers. Consequently, the department sought restrictions on the entry of heavy motor vehicles into the city.
Compounding the issue is the ongoing construction of the Mancotta Road Flyover, which has already significantly reduced the movement of heavy vehicles in and out of Dibrugarh.
Regulatory Meeting and Decision
A meeting of the Regional Transport Authority convened on June 10 reviewed the Supreme Court's recent directives on road safety, the traffic impact of the Mancotta Flyover, and the Amolapatty Junction Flyover project. The meeting unanimously resolved that the movement of buses and travelers within the city required immediate regulation. The administration also noted that existing bus stops within the city are located directly on the State Highway passing through the city, with no dedicated space beyond the carriageway, posing persistent safety hazards.
District Commissioner Bikram Kairi stated that the decision was driven by both immediate necessities and long-term planning. "With two major infrastructure projects underway simultaneously, allowing heavy vehicles and buses to continue operating within the city would be both dangerous and unmanageable. The MJBT has the capacity and the location to serve as an efficient transit hub, and this is the right time to put it to full use," he said.
Implementation and Exemptions
Under the order, no buses will be permitted to enter the city beyond the MJBT, although school and college buses are exempt from the restriction. A joint team comprising the Dibrugarh Municipal Corporation, the District Transport Office, and the Traffic Branch of Dibrugarh Police will assess readiness and oversee a smooth transition before the June 19 deadline.
Dibrugarh Traffic Police will issue a dedicated route map and traffic advisory for buses and travelers, while the District Transport Officer has been directed to arrange adequate feeder services at MJBT to ensure last-mile connectivity for passengers. Strict compliance has been mandated, and violations will be punishable under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
