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Crores wasted as Fazilka bus stand lies idle; High Court seeks answers from Govt
Wasted as Fazilka Bus Stand Lies Idle; High Court Seeks Answers from Govt
Babushahi Bureau
Fazilka (Punjab), July 28, 2025 –A newly built bus stand in Fazilka has been lying unused for nearly four years, even though it was inaugurated in 2021 by then Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi.
Now, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has asked the state government and other departments to explain why the bus stand is still not in use.Advocate Sirat Sapra has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), demanding that the bus stand be made functional.
He told the court that despite spending crores of rupees, the structure has not been used, and is now being misused by drug addicts and for illegal vehicle parking, posing a danger to public safety.
After hearing the matter, the High Court has issued notices to the Punjab Government, Chief Secretary, Transport Department, and Fazilka Municipal Council. The next hearing is scheduled for April 21, 2025.
In their replies to the court, both the Municipal Council and the Transport Department made shocking admissions.
The Fazilka Municipal Council built the bus stand without taking permission from the Transport Department. Only after the construction was completed did they start writing to the department, asking them to start operations there.But the Transport Department refused, saying it was never informed and that the building lacks basic facilities like a workshop, fuel pump, and cash office.
While the Municipal Council is being criticized for acting without approval, the Transport Department is also being blamed for not taking any steps to solve the issue. As a result, the bus stand has remained closed and unused.
Sirat Sapra said this is a clear example of how government departments fail to work together and waste public money. He added that people in Fazilka deserve answers and action—not just blame games.
Until something is done, the new bus stand remains a reminder of poor planning, misuse of taxpayers’ money, and lack of accountability.