Indore ISBT lies idle without inauguration:₹100-cr airport-like bus stand lies deserted, not a single bus in operation

A modern Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) built in Indore remains unused for more than a year due to the absence of an official inauguration and an operating agency. Located in the Kumerdi/Nayta Mundla area on MR-10, the terminal appears impressive from the outside with a structure resembling an airport, featuring wide entrances, spacious halls, air-conditioning and well-organized platforms. However, inside the building there is complete silence, as no buses operate from the terminal yet. Spread over 15 acres and constructed at a cost of around ₹100 crore, the ISBT was completed over a year ago. Despite being fully ready, bus services have not started because the authorities have not finalized an operator to run the facility. Project delayed beyond original deadline The project received approval in September 2019 and was initially scheduled to be completed by December 2022. However, construction was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the deadline had to be extended twice. Sixth tender issued, still no operator So far, six tenders have been issued, but no agency has agreed to run the facility. Authorities have now issued the sixth tender again in hopes of finding an operator. Facilities available at the terminal The terminal has been designed for 24×7 operations and offers several modern facilities: Officials claim that once operational, the terminal will be capable of handling around 1,440 buses daily and managing the movement of nearly 60,000 passengers every day.