A high-level delegation from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha's (JMM) Bokaro district unit presented a significant proposal to Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday. The group met the CM during his brief stop at the Bokaro airport, urging a complete transformation of the city's Naya More bus stand into a modern inter-state bus terminal.
Key Demands and Memorial Proposal
The delegation submitted a formal memorandum outlining their demands. A central part of their request is that the proposed upgraded terminal should be named in honour of the late Dishom Guru Shibu Soren, the JMM patriarch and former chief minister who passed away after a prolonged illness in August this year. This move is seen as a tribute to the towering leader from the region.
Leading the delegation, JMM city president Mantu Yadav elaborated on the project's potential. He emphasized that revamping the bus stand would significantly enhance passenger facilities, create stronger transport links with neighbouring states, and act as a catalyst for local trade, industry, and job creation. Chandankiyari MLA Umakant Rajak was also present as a key member of the group that met the chief minister.
CM's Visit and Broader Context
Chief Minister Hemant Soren was in Bokaro on a short visit, having arrived from Jamshedpur. After the meeting at the airport, where he was welcomed by IG North Chotanagpur Sunil Bhaskar and Bokaro Deputy Commissioner Ajay Nath Jha, he proceeded to Ranchi by road.
The push for the Naya More upgrade underscores a growing focus on improving Jharkhand's transport infrastructure. Proponents argue that a state-of-the-art inter-state terminal is no longer a luxury but a necessity for Bokaro, an important industrial and commercial hub. It is expected to streamline bus operations, reduce congestion, and provide safe, modern amenities for the thousands of passengers who use the facility daily.
Potential Impact on Regional Development
If approved and implemented, the project could have far-reaching effects. Beyond the immediate improvement in commuter experience, better interstate connectivity is often linked to economic growth. It can facilitate easier movement of goods and labour, attract more business investments to the Bokaro region, and ultimately contribute to the state's overall development agenda. The delegation's meeting marks a formal step in bringing this long-standing local demand to the highest level of the state government for consideration.
