Passengers continue to face inconvenience at Vallabhnagar (Pimpri-Chinchwad) bus station!

Some improvement efforts visible at some levels

In March–April 2023, Sanatan Prabhat published an 18-day series highlighting the poor condition of bus stations across the state. Following this, on May 1^st, 2023, then Chief Minister and Transport Minister Eknath Shinde launched the ‘Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Clean and Beautiful Bus Station’ campaign. The current Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik is actively carrying this initiative forward.

He has been visiting bus stations personally to ensure cleanliness; However, the condition of several bus stations remains pitiable. In order to bring this situation to the attention of the authorities, Sanatan Prabhat has resumed its series on the deplorable condition of bus stations.

The current drinking water arrangement at the bus station!

Pimpri-Chinchwad: The Vallabhnagar Bus Station serves as an important transit hub for passengers from both industrial and residential areas. However, the lack of certain basic facilities is causing considerable inconvenience to travellers.

1. The drinking water arrangement at the station is not up to the expected standard. It is difficult to determine whether the available water is meant for washing hands or for drinking. When questioned, a station employee stated, “3 water coolers will be installed soon”. Although a drinking water facility has been provided at the station, drinking water is not actually available there, leaving passengers with no option but to buy water.

2. Plastic waste can be seen lying around in some areas, while garbage, dirt, and dust have accumulated in others. When questioned by Sanatan Prabhat, station employees responded, “We are trying our best; but we also need cooperation from passengers. Some people have to be told not to defecate in the open, as public toilets are available. We also request people not to spit or throw plastic waste and to use the dustbins provided.” (Imposing strict fines on such offenders is the only effective solution! – Editor) A few days ago, another newspaper also reported on the station’s unhygienic condition. In that report, depot manager Vaishali Kamble stated that the cleanliness surcharge collected from passengers is meant for cleanliness of buses, not that of bus stations. She added that efforts are made to maintain cleanliness with the available manpower. Passengers had also expressed dissatisfaction regarding sanitation in that report.

3. Passengers travelling long distances do not have a dedicated waiting room while waiting for their buses.

4. The ‘Hirkani Room’ (a room for mothers to breastfeed infants) at the bus station usually remains locked. As there is no signboard indicating the facility, women may not even be aware of its availability. In addition, a notice board should be installed providing information about where the key can be obtained or whom to contact if the facility is required.

Positive changes being made by the administration!

Despite several serious shortcomings, administrative promptness is also visible in certain areas.

1. Repair and cleanliness: Work to fill potholes at the bus station is currently being carried out on a war footing. Toilet cleanliness has also improved compared to earlier conditions.

2. Communication System in Place: Contact numbers of the depot manager and other officials are prominently displayed at the station. Notably, officials responded promptly when contacted and clarified queries effectively.

3. Planned parking system: Parking arrangements are being properly managed through a private contractor. The charges are nominal – ₹10 for two-wheelers and ₹20 for four-wheelers.

4. Other facilities: The bus schedule is clearly displayed at the station. As renovation work is underway at the canteen, temporary arrangements have been made at the rear side of the premises. New facilities for drivers’ and conductors’ rest areas are also being developed.

Send information about poor conditions of bus stations along with photographs!

If bus stations in your area are also unhygienic or lack basic facilities such as drinking water, seating arrangements, or dustbins, send details and photographs to Sanatan Prabhat via WhatsApp at 9225639170. Help bring the poor condition of bus stations to the attention of the authorities and support the cleanliness campaign.

Appeal to citizens!

Just as maintaining the cleanliness of bus stations is the responsibility of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation, as responsible citizens it is our responsibility too! Recognizing that the State Transport service is a lifeline for ordinary people, every citizen should contribute to this campaign to keep bus stations clean and well maintained.

Register your suggestions!

Information regarding the poor condition of the Vallabhnagar bus station has already been submitted by Sanatan Prabhat through the official suggestion portal of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation –https://msrtc.maharashtra.gov.in/GeneralPages/Suggestions.aspx’.You too should submit your suggestions immediately!