Brothers of Buses | Things you should know about ISBT Guwahati | Season 01, Episode 05

Dear readers, welcome to the fifth episode of Brothers of Buses. The series – Brothers of Buses – is dedicated to the staff members of buses that ply on the roads of Assam and beyond and live through thousands of journeys and millions of stories. This is Their story! And today's story is about the second home of our Brothers of Buses - ISBT Guwahati, which is the primary hub for bus transportation in Assam.

When the ISBT Guwahati was being constructed, maybe a very few would have thought that this landmark would become the biggest turnaround in the bus industry of Assam.

The project was financed by the North Eastern Council (NEC), had a total cost of around 36 crore rupees and took about eight years to complete. The ISBT Guwahati was designed by Architect Ranjib Baruah and ASTC's Civil Engineer Montu Kr Buragohain was in-charge of the construction.

ISBT Guwahati during its construction period.

So, this is the story of ISBT Guwahati that has been serving the people of Assam since 2006.

The ISBT Guwahati officially started functioning from December 08, 2006 with 20 buses initially running from within it. Now, over 300 buses move through the gates of ISBT Guwahati on a daily basis. Inter-district services started from 2008.

An Outpost of Assam Police was established in 2007 for the safety and security of passengers and staff.

The ISBT has two wings; the left wing serves as platform to ASTC and under ASTC buses whereas the right wing serves the private buses. However, at times of requirement both wings serve to all buses alike.

ISBT Guwahati is the second home of over 1,000 bus staff and officials of bus operators of Assam as well as other states, including prominent operators such as Network Travels, Deep Travels, Pranjit Travels and Trishul among others.

With over 1,000 people visiting the ISBT Guwahati on a daily basis, this modern day landmark is abode to millions of stories till date.

It may be mentioned here that ISBT Guwahati not only provides livelihood to the permanent staff which include officials, shopkeepers and bus staff but also to small scale businessmen such as fruit sellers, chaanawalas, nearby pan shop owners, ice-cream sellers, auto rickshaw drivers, hotels and barbers among others.

IOCL Fuel Station near ISBT, Guwahati (run by ASTC).

Though lacking in basic amenities for drivers and bus staff, the souls of ISBT Guwahati, staff members share a smile with each other and countless stories among themselves and with passengers alike.

Positive to negative, happy to sad, - stories and anecdotes is an integral part of ISBT Guwahati. And for bus fans like us, it is the Calm in the Chaos.

Here are a few photographs that capture the essence of the Buses at ISBT Guwahati:

The Bays of Network Travels at ISBT Guwahati (Late 2010s).

ISBT Guwahati during the Covid Lockdown period.

2017 | This bus reaches ISBT Guwahati after 10:00 PM. Still, every night, the dedicated bus staff washes and cleans the bus no matter how late it is. No sleeping until and unless the bus is clean.

The ASTC and Under ASTC wing of ISBT Guwahati (2020).

ISBT is home to those buses which proudly display our love for Zubeen Daa.

Every day, ISBT Guwahati breathes through thousands of journeys, each carrying a story of its own. Every arrival and departure of a bus at the ISBT brings with it myriad human stories and that makes ISBT Guwahati an abode of emotions.

And if you have ever passed through its gates, a part of your story now quietly lives within its horizon.

Botaahe. . . Botaahe...