The truck terminal in Khulna, built with modern facilities, has remained largely unused since its inauguration 23 years ago due to its inconvenient location.
Despite having 24-hour electricity, security, a three-story boarding house, and a canteen, the terminal remains mostly empty, with only 10% of its capacity utilized.
Constructed on six acres of land at Sonadanga-Gallamari Road with a government fund of Tk 5 crore, the terminal was opened in December 2001. However, the establishment of a wholesale kitchen market nearby in 2008 further reduced its appeal.
Drivers and Owners Avoid Terminal
Although around 500 trucks enter the city daily, only 30 to 40 use the terminal, mostly for repairs. Kazi Sarwar Hossain, president of the Khulna Divisional Truck Transport Workers’ Union, stated, "Most truck drivers avoid the terminal because it is far from business centers and agency offices."
Truck driver Bijoy Sarkar Rony echoed the concern, saying, "Our customers are accustomed to finding us in areas like Kadamtola, Nurnagar, and Rupsha. They won’t travel to the terminal for business."
Abdul Gaffar Biswas, president of the Khulna Truck and Cover-Van Owners’ Association, said, "We cannot force drivers to use the terminal because it is simply not convenient for their business operations."
Congestion and Illegal Parking
Due to the terminal’s underuse, trucks are frequently parked on busy roads such as Kalibari Road and KD Ghosh Road, worsening traffic congestion.
Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Assistant Estate Officer Sheikh Md Masud Ali said, "We charge Tk 50 per truck for 24-hour parking, but most drivers prefer roadside spots near their offices."
KCC Estate Officer Nuruzzaman Talukder stated that authorities plan to launch a mobile court drive to curb illegal parking and encourage truck drivers to use the terminal.
"We will also conduct awareness campaigns to educate drivers and transport workers about the importance of using the terminal," he added.
Hub for Crime and Neglect
Neglect has turned the terminal into a hotspot for drug addicts, gamblers, and criminals. During a visit, some gamblers were found occupying the premises, while drug users openly consumed narcotics.
A local resident, preferring anonymity, said, "The terminal has become a shelter for criminals at night. It’s unsafe for ordinary people to pass through."
The facility is also deteriorating due to a lack of maintenance. Unscrupulous individuals have stolen doors, windows, rods, and bricks from the terminal building.
"The government spent a huge amount on this project, but now it’s turning into ruins," said a concerned transport worker.
Authorities must take urgent steps to restore and utilize the terminal effectively to prevent further waste of public funds.
