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SYLHET, Nov 05: Although the much- talked-about central bus terminal in the Kodomtoli area in Sylhet city was put into experimental operation nine months ago, most of the vehicles still remain standing outside the terminal's parking area.
By this, they are creating heavy congestion on the main road in front of the terminal. The busy road links inter-district roads, including the capital, as well as Chattogram, Cumilla and northern districts.
Locals said that traders, students have to spend much time reaching destinations due to the traffic congestion as the bus drivers put their vehicles on the main road haphazardly.
Locals alleged that sometimes people miss the train due to the congestion.
During a visit to the area this correspondent found that buses were parked closely on the main street, causing serious traffic congestion. Over a thousand vehicles, especially bus ply through this road to various destinations.
The terminal has been built on 7.5 acres of land by the Sylhet City Corporation (SCC). The Sylhet Railway Station also is located along the road.
About Tk 630 million (63 crores) World Bank-aided project was given time extension till June 2021 after its deadline ended on June 30, 2020 due to Covid-19. It was extended till June 2022. But, it took another year.
Meantime, formal inauguration is uncertain as the mayor is set to hand over charges to the new mayor on November 08.
The terminal was built with an attractive design. It got a new building with facilities for passengers and transport people. However, the Sylhet Zila Bus, Minibus, Coach Poribahan Sramik Union president Mainul Islam said, "The terminal is not built matched with the requirement of a huge number of transports. The number of buildings is much in comparison to the limited space".
SCC Chief Engineer Nur Azizur Rahman said, "Things would be resolved once the terminal is totally operational. The traffic congestion would also be eased, he claimed.