29 December, 2025 – Muktsar : The state government’s proposal to shift the Malout bus stand has triggered resentment among residents, who fear higher travel costs, security concerns and inconvenience.
According to a letter issued by the Malout Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) on December 22, a recommendation has been sent to the Deputy Commissioner to construct a new bus stand at the site of the closed sugar mill along the Muktsar road. The proposal is based on a report submitted by the Executive Officer (EO) of the Malout Municipal Council.
At present, Malout does not have a government-owned bus stand. The existing facility, located on private land opposite the grain market, lacks basic amenities and causes inconvenience to commuters.
The EO’s report states that residents have been demanding a government bus stand for several years and argues that the sugar mill site, about 2.8 km from the current private bus stand, offers several advantages.
The report notes that the proposed site does not face waterlogging during heavy rains and connects the Muktsar road with the Bathinda road towards Dabwali. Officials argue that shifting the bus stand there would divert buses away from the town, ease traffic flow and provide direct connectivity to nearby cities, including Abohar, Fazilka, Muktsar and Bathinda.
However, the proposal has drawn sharp criticism from residents and politicians. Residents recalled that shifting the SDM office and courts complex outside the town along the Abohar road in the past had increased their hardship.
They said moving the bus stand even farther would burden commuters, especially daily wagers, women and the elderly, who would have to spend more time and money to reach the town.
The Tribune