GOLAKGANJ, Sept 3 - From the 60s of last the century, the Assam State Transport Corporation�s (ASTC) red buses were the only convenient and comfortable mode of transport, especially in the Lower Assam as there were limited private buses.
Spacious bus stations were constructed on big plots in busy and junction areas. But in the last decade of the last century, due to State Government�s apathy, random corruption and inefficient management, the ASTC had lost its precious glory, and became a loss-making organisation.
In the early part of the current century, an enthusiastic minister � Anjan Dutta � tried to revive it, and became successful too. But now, it is again in ruins. The ASTC stations, which were agog with buses and passengers, are now deserted again.
The Gauripur bus station in Dhubri was closed since several years due to negligence of the concerned authorities. The station along with its sprawling campus is now in an abandoned state with power disconnected. It has become a hub of anti-social activities. The water supply system is also damaged.
The encroachers are having a freehand in the land as there is nobody to check them. The fate of Bilashipara station is poorer than that of the Gauripur bus station.
Idris Ali Ahmed, a social worker of the area, said that there is ample scope of utilising the buildings and land in a profitable manner, but nobody is paying attention to it. People want the concerned authorities to take immediate and proper action so that the Government properties are kept intact and profit may accrue from these buildings and land.
