Chaos at Guwahati ISBT: Drivers Protest Over Excessive Toilet Fees and Poor Facilities

Guwahati: Severe chaos erupted at the Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) in Betkuchi, Guwahati, on Monday morning, as a section of bus drivers and staff staged a protest alleging rampant irregularities and denial of basic amenities at the facility.

The protesters accused the ISBT authorities of collecting charges higher than the prescribed rates for using public toilets and urinals within the premises. According to the drivers and staff, the fees being collected far exceed the rates fixed in the tender agreement.

They further alleged that there is no display board or notice mentioning the approved user charges, leaving passengers and staff completely unaware of the official rates.

Adding to the grievances, the protesters highlighted the pathetic state of hygiene at the ISBT. They claimed that the toilets and washrooms lack minimum cleanliness and that there is no proper drinking water facility for passengers, drivers, or employees.

In a serious allegation, bus drivers from other states claimed that when they objected to the excessive charges, they were physically assaulted by individuals associated with the ISBT management.

It was also pointed out that the ISBT authorities routinely collect fixed amounts from bus drivers for parking and other services, but despite regular payments, even basic facilities are not being provided.

As a result of these issues, daily commuters, passengers, and bus staff are being deprived of essential amenities at one of the city’s most important transport hubs.

In protest against the alleged mismanagement and exploitation, a section of day and night bus drivers took to the streets early in the morning, demanding immediate intervention and corrective action by the authorities.

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