The Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) of Bhopal, a city that consistently features in India’s top 10 cleanest cities, is currently a picture of utter neglect. Built with an investment of crores and envisioned as a symbol of ‘Smart City’ pride, the terminal has instead devolved into a hub of collapsing infrastructure and mounting garbage. A ground report reveals that the prevailing chaos is not only causing immense hardship to commuters but is also severely tarnishing the city’s reputation. Pure drinking water boards mock reality amidst filth: Upon entering the ISBT premises, massive hoardings claiming to provide ‘pure drinking water’ greet visitors, but the ground reality is a stark contrast. The drinking water stations are surrounded by piles of waste. The washbasins are broken and rusted, while the water pipes are choked with plastic and grime, conditions ripe for spreading diseases. A bus conductor from Uttar Pradesh shared his ordeal: “I thought Bhopal was a Smart City with high-class facilities. But seeing the extreme filth here, I’ve stopped drinking this water. I now carry a personal water camper in the bus.” Open loot above MRP right under municipal corporation’s nose: In a shocking irony, while the municipal corporation’s office is located just a few meters away, vendors inside the terminal are brazenly overcharging passengers for food and beverages. An open loot is underway cold drinks with an MRP of Rs 14 are being sold for Rs 20, and snacks priced at Rs 25 are being sold for Rs 35. Commuters, forced by the necessity of travel, are being financially exploited, and this blatant violation continues unchecked right under the administration’s nose.

 

‘Future Bhopal’ model gathers dust and cobwebs : A block model of the ‘Light Metro Project’ was once installed here to showcase the ‘Bhopal of the Future’ to travellers. Today, that very model has fallen victim to administrative apathy. The ambitious project model is now covered in thick layers of dust and cobwebs. It serves as a grim reminder that while future plans were grandly displayed, there was never a sustainable plan for their maintenance. Cleanliness confined to posters; toilets in shambles: While the walls are plastered with ‘Swachh Bharat’ advertisements and pamphlets, cleanliness is nowhere to be found on the floor. The drainage system is completely choked with plastic and waste. The flooring is broken in several places, and the ceilings are draped in cobwebs. Despite charging a fee for the use of toilets, there is no sign of hygiene or sanitation. In this sweltering summer heat, passengers do not have a single clean or safe spot to rest, as most of the installed chairs are broken and unusable. Administrative neglect tarnish city’s image: ISBT is the first point of contact for travellers coming from outside the State. The prevailing rot and mismanagement are not only harassing passengers and drivers but are also raising serious questions about Bhopal’s ‘Smart City’ credentials and its cleanliness rankings. Due to the continuous neglect of the authorities, this vital public terminal is rapidly losing its utility and dignity.