The Decline of Adabari Bus Station: A Once-Bustling Hub Now Abandoned

Adabari Bus Station, once a vital transport hub in Guwahati, has fallen into disrepair, leaving locals and businesses struggling. With only one bus operating and services shifted to ISBT, residents express frustration over the lack of infrastructure and the emotional toll of losing a community landmark. As uncertainty looms over the future of the site, the station stands as a reminder of neglect and the challenges faced by those who relied on it.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 19, 2025, 20:30 IST

Adabari Bus Station: From Vital Transport Hub to Abandonment

Guwahati, Dec 19: Once a vibrant transport center linking Guwahati with Lower Assam districts, Adabari Bus Station has now become a deserted area, overtaken by grass and silence.

Previously bustling with passengers, buses, shops, and lights from dawn until late at night, the station now sees only an occasional vehicle, primarily for repairs, with just one bus reportedly still operating.

For many years, Adabari was a crucial part of the city's public transport system, especially for daily commuters and traders traveling to and from Lower Assam. Its sudden decline has left residents and stakeholders facing significant inconvenience and uncertainty.

According to locals, the closure has not only disrupted travel but has also dismantled a network of small businesses that relied on the steady flow of customers.

Bus services have largely been redirected to the Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) Guwahati and Khanapara, yet passengers express dissatisfaction with the lack of adequate infrastructure following this relocation.

At Jalukbari, buses reportedly stop unsafely along the roadside, lacking a proper terminal or sheltered bus stop. With the stop now further towards Dr Bhupen Hazarika Setu, commuters often find themselves walking long distances or needing additional transport.

“There was real convenience earlier,” remarked a bus driver. “Without Adabari, both passengers and drivers are facing difficulties. This location was centrally situated and easily accessible.”

Residents have voiced their sorrow over the emotional and economic impact of the station's closure.

“This isn’t just a 30-year-old facility but a part of our lives,” shared a local. “The decision to shut it down is unclear, and relocating everything to Jalukbari and ISBT has only created more issues.”

Shopkeepers who operated businesses here for decades report that the effects have been devastating.

The few buses in Adabari (AT Image)

“I’ve had my shop here for 22 years,” stated one trader. “With no buses and no customers, business has collapsed. We are somehow managing to support our families.”

Another shopkeeper added, “If a vehicle comes for repairs, we earn Rs 10-20. Otherwise, there’s nothing. The old environment is completely gone.”

Passengers have echoed similar frustrations.

“Earlier, buses were right here,” a commuter noted. “Now you have to walk a long distance. If you’re in a hurry, it becomes a serious problem. You end up paying extra for autos or other transport.”

Many locals have questioned the government's intentions and the lack of clarity regarding the future of the site.

“For the past year, Lower Assam passengers have suffered the most,” a resident remarked. “ISBT works better for Upper Assam routes, but Adabari was ideal for Lower Assam. Now people who worked here are jobless, hotels have closed, and even today, some passengers come here thinking buses still run only to be disappointed.”

Amidst rumors about alternative uses for the land and allegations of administrative neglect, there has been no official announcement regarding the potential revival or redevelopment of Adabari Bus Station.

Currently, a place once synonymous with movement and connectivity stands as a stark reminder of neglect, with its future remaining uncertain.