Passengers in Assam will soon find relief as the State Government considers reopening three historically significant Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) bus stations – Shilghat, Kaliabor Tinali, and Kuthri – closed for over two decades. These were earlier known as British towns.
Initially inaugurated in 1988 by Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, the bus stations at Kaliabor Tinali, Shilghat, and Kuthri served as pivotal transport hubs linking various parts of Assam. However, their subsequent lease to the private sector marked the onset of their decline. Particularly, Kaliabor Tinali was converted into a hotel, neglecting its original function and becoming a hub for illicit activities.
Shilghat faced a similar fate, transforming into a dumping ground, while encroachers took over parts of Kuthri. The closure of these stations has significantly disrupted local travel and connectivity, causing considerable inconvenience to commuters over the years.
The recent appointment of Keshav Mahanta as the State’s Transport Minister has sparked optimism among residents of Kaliabor and the surrounding areas. Mahanta has expressed a strong commitment to revitalising these defunct bus stations in response to longstanding demands for improved transportation infrastructure.
The potential reopening of the Shilghat, Kaliabor Tinali, and Kuthri bus stations holds promise for enhancing regional connectivity and improving the overall quality of life for local residents.
