http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=236036
Her projects too wait for her Ambedkar state bus terminal neglected after 2003, allege BSP activists Maulshree Seth Lucknow, May 12: As Mayawati takes over, people hope to see the revival of her projects that were put in cold storage soon after she was out of power in 2003. Once such project is the Rs 11-crore 'Ambedkar Inter-state Bus Terminal' that was inaugurated in October, 2002 by Mayawati, and had hoped to accommodate around 800 buses and 25,000 passengers every day. Despite huge investments in the project loaded with modern facilities, the terminal could never be put to proper use. The authorities could never discipline the bus drivers, who rather prefer to stop near the Charbagh Railway Station leading to traffic chaos every day. Said VK Bajpai, general manager in a prominent hotel in the area, "I live in Rajajipuram and come to Charbagh every day for business. The area faces traffic congstion from 8am to 8pm every day. Officials say it is difficult to attract passengers as the terminal is not located in the heart of the city. But, being located at a distance of only 2km from the railway station, it is actually in the heart of the city." On the other hand, the BSP activists said the officials did not bother to maintain or popularise the terminal as it opened during Maya .regime. "Many projects, including this one, were neglected simply because they had Ambedkar's name attached to it," said Dr A Gupta, a BSP activist. Interestingly, the officials of UP State Road Transport Corporation today even refused to admit that there ever was a problem at the terminal. Talking to Newsline, UPSRTC general manager (operations) RP Singh said, "We have never had any problem at the bus terminal, and minor developments keep taking place here." When asked as to why buses stop near Charbagh than at the terminal, he said, "Buses use this terminal as they should, and take the passengers where they get them." His claim is contrary to facts though. Spread over 6 acre, the terminal's 20 stalls built for commercial outlets still wait for an occupant; the computerised ticketing system is mistly non-functional.
