Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik Furious After Seeing the Poor Condition of Amravati Central Bus Stand!

• Transport Minister’s Surprise Visit to Bus Stand!

• Divisional Controller and Depot Manager suspended!

• Assures that the health of passengers and drivers-conductors will not be compromised!

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik (Seen on the right)

Amravati – Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik paid a surprise visit to the Amravati Central Bus Stand at 10:15 p.m. on 7 June. He stopped at the bus station while returning from a Shiv Sena gathering. The surprise visit left Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) officials and staff scrambling. During the visit, he reviewed the internal arrangements and passenger facilities at the bus station. He was extremely furious after observing the unhygienic conditions on the premises.

On not receiving satisfactory answers, he ordered the immediate suspension of Divisional Controller Sachin Dafale and Depot Manager Vaishali Bhakare.

The Minister was angered on seeing that despite the Corporation collecting a ‘cleanliness charge’ of ₹2 on every ticket, there is poor sanitation at the bus station and the condition of rest rooms and washrooms meant for drivers and conductors is deplorable.

1. A few mattresses and floor mats were found on the floor in the drivers’-conductors’ rest room,. During the inspection, a Shiv Sena office-bearer stated, “The mattresses and cooler were brought only today.”

2. When Sarnaik questioned the drivers and conductors, they replied, “Only floor mats are usually available here. No cleaning is carried out. There is only one cooler. Drivers from outside also come and sleep here. Bus drivers and conductors do not get cold drinking water, nor do they get hot water for bathing.”

3. On hearing this, an angry Pratap Sarnaik sought an explanation from the officials regarding the poor management of the bus station. (A bus station administration insensitive towards drivers and conductors! – Editor)

4. Sarnaik stated that there would be no compromise on the health of passengers, drivers, and conductors.