Route to nowhere: 15 years on, Jawali bus stand lies abandoned
Jawali in Kangra district is home to a bus stand that remains unused even 15 years after its construction. The State Bus Stand Management and Development Authority spent Rs 30.58 lakh on the facility, yet it lies in a state of neglect due to the authorities’ failure to operationalise it. The absence of repairs has further worsened its condition.
Despite nearly 80 private and Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses operating in the region, none enter the bus stand. Instead, they take a detour from Keharian Chowk, about a kilometer away. This bypassing of the bus stand has rendered it redundant. Former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh laid its foundation stone on January 19, 2004, and it was later inaugurated by former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal on August 15, 2009. However, it has never been put to proper use.
The lack of functioning transport facilities has affected Jawali’s local economy. Once a thriving business hub, Jawali market now appears deserted as customers prefer Keharian Chowk instead. Many shops have either shut down or are struggling to survive due to the lack of footfall. Shopkeepers and vendors blame the authorities for allowing buses to drop off and pick up passengers at Keharian Chowk instead of the designated bus stand.
Commuters also face difficulties as they are forced to walk long distances to reach Civil Hospital or government offices since buses do not enter Jawali town. Veopar Mandal, Jawali, has pointed out that all buses have route permits for Jawali bus stand, yet none use it.
Neglect has also turned the bus stand into a dumping ground. Without a retaining wall, garbage accumulates at the back of the premises, worsening the situation. Ravi Kumar, a former councilor of Jawali Nagar Panchayat, called the bus stand an “eyesore” and a burden on the local market and commuters. He mentioned that residents had repeatedly appealed to the administration to make the bus stand operational, but their requests went unheard. Left with no choice, locals are now planning protests and dharnas against the concerned authorities.
HRTC officials cite a congested approach road, haphazard parking, and roadside encroachments as the main obstacles preventing buses from entering the bus stand. Without resolving these infrastructural challenges, the premises cannot be used effectively for public transport. Residents demand immediate intervention from the administration to ensure the bus stand is put to use, benefiting commuters and restoring business activity in Jawali town.
