80% work on Ramban multi-storey bus stand completed
Ramban, Dec 1: The construction of the much-awaited multi-storey Bus Stand in Ramban town—part of a major project under the Urban Local Bodies department(Housing and Urban Development Department) —continues to progress at a sluggish pace, causing significant inconvenience to commuters, transporters, shopkeepers, and local residents.
Initiated in 2022 at an estimated cost of Rs 19 Cr, the project was awarded to a private construction firm with the aim of upgrading transportation facilities in the region.
Strategically located in the heart of Ramban town, the bus stand was expected to ease traffic congestion and streamline passenger movement. However, the prolonged delay has instead disrupted daily life and commercial activities.
According to sources, district authorities had earlier assured that all stakeholders—including shopkeepers, vendors, and transport unions—would be temporarily relocated to alternative locations such as Cafeteria Morh and Kowbagh during the construction period. Despite these assurances, the slow progress has resulted in over 500 vendors being displaced, severely impacting local business.
Commuters have also been hit hard, as passenger vehicles continue to pick-up and drop travellers at unregulated points, leading to confusion and safety concerns.
“The lack of progress is creating unnecessary hardships for daily commuters. Vehicles picking and dropping passengers randomly is a recipe for chaos,” said a local shopkeeper.
Residents have further raised concerns over unregulated parking along the old alignment of the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway passing through Ramban town.
They say this has been causing frequent traffic jams and obstructing emergency vehicles, particularly between Cafeteria Morh and Bowali Bazar.
Shopkeepers, transporters, and locals have jointly appealed to Deputy Commissioner Ramban Mohammad Alyas Khan, MLA Ramban Arjun Singh Raju, and officials of the PWD and HUDD to intervene and fast-track the project.
“There is no doubt that once completed, the multi-storey Bus Stand will be a major asset for Ramban. But the ongoing delays are causing unnecessary hardship. Authorities must push the contractor to accelerate the work,” said social worker Subash Sharma.
Executive Engineer PWD (R&B) Ramban, Ranjeet Singh, informed that 80 percent of the work on the multi-storey bus stand was completed. Built on five kanals of land, the project is expected to be finished by June 2026, provided funding continues uninterrupted.
He added that once operational, the facility would significantly reduce traffic congestion in Ramban town.
Residents now await timely intervention from authorities to ensure the long-delayed project is finally brought to completion.
