Dhanbad, October 9: Dhanbad MLA Raj Sinha has firmly denied reports claiming that the city’s Bartand bus stand will be shifted to Katras, around 15–20 kilometres away from the city center. He also assured that no such proposal exists and the bus stand will continue to operate from its current location.
Talking to reporters at his MLA office, Sinha said he had personally spoken with Dhanbad Municipal Corporation Commissioner Ravi Raj Sharma and Deputy Commissioner Aditya Ranjan. Both officials, he said, confirmed that there is no plan or file under consideration to relocate the Bartand bus stand.
“For the past few weeks, some people have been spreading false information to create confusion among the public and tarnish my and my party’s image. The Bartand stand is not being moved anywhere,” the MLA asserted.
Sinha explained that his discussion with the DMC Commissioner was related only to developing a separate inter-state bus terminal, while inter-district buses will continue to operate from Bartand. “Bartand is and will remain the city’s main transport hub,” he added.
He also met Deputy Commissioner Aditya Ranjan to discuss the issue and highlighted that the Bartand stand occupies over 21 acres of land, questioning the logic behind relocating it. Following the meeting, the DC agreed to visit the site on October 11 to assess whether the available space could accommodate the proposed inter-state terminal. If found suitable, the new terminal will also be built within the existing Bartand premises.
Sinha emphasized that any final decision regarding the bus stand will be taken only after consulting the public and local stakeholders.
The issue surfaced after reports suggested that the state cabinet had approved the construction of an inter-state bus terminal in Katras, nearly 20 kilometres from the city. The move triggered opposition from the Bus Owners Association and local residents, who argued that relocating the stand would cause major inconvenience to commuters.
They pointed out that the Bartand stand, located in the heart of Dhanbad, is easily accessible and already has sufficient land for expansion. “If Bartand has over 20 acres, what’s the need to shift?” questioned members of the association.
Amid ongoing protests and confusion, MLA Raj Sinha’s statement has brought temporary relief to city residents who depend on Bartand for their daily travel.
