SAMBALPUR: After failing to get requisite land from the Revenue Department, Sambalpur Development Authority (SDA) has initiated step to purchase land on its own for development of a truck terminus along NH-6 in the town.
The SDA has decided to purchase the requisite land owned by Gopalji Mutt at Remed and also initiated dialogue with the Mutt authority in this regard.
SDA had passed a resolution in 2011 for development of two truck terminus at Sambalpur and Rengali. It had even moved the Revenue Department for the requisite land for the purpose. But, the land was not allotted by the Revenue Department even after three years.
With no sight of the much awaited truck terminus, drivers continue to park trucks along the NH-6 and SH-10 turning it into a death trap.
On an average, about 2,800 heavy vehicles ply on the busy Mumbai-Kolkata NH-6 besides passenger vehicles which pass through Bargarh and Sambalpur. Similarly, about 4,000 heavy vehicles besides passenger vehicles run on State Highway 10 connecting Sambalpur with Rourkela via Rengali. When the trucks break down during the long trip, the drivers stop over at designated places including Baraipali in Sambalpur for repair.
Normally, the truck terminus has been developed in towns and cities where trucks stop over for repair and maintenance. The terminus has workshops and spare parts counter besides facilities for the drivers. If needed the drivers can stay over for a day or two and it provides single stop solution.
Similar terminuses were proposed to be developed in Sambalpur and Rengali. But, in the absence of terminus, the drivers park the trucks on the side of the Highways. Moreover, the parking is done in a haphazard manner without considering the threat to passing vehicles.
Contacted, Chairman of SDA Bijaya Mohanty said a resolution has been adopted to purchase the land at Government rate from the Gopalji Mutt to develop a truck terminus.
He also said they would move Endowment Department soon to get the requisite permission besides approval of the Government before purchasing the property of the Mutt. The SDA has its own fund to purchase the land, he said.