Administration is still indifferent to the Construction of the New Panvel Bus Station!

Potholes at the entrance of the bus stand

Mumbai – Panvel bus stand is seen as a very important link connecting Mumbai, Konkan and western Maharashtra. More than 3,000 buses pass through this stand every day; however, the infrastructure here is very poor compared to the increasing number of passengers. The State government has repeatedly announced the construction of a modern bus stand in Panvel; however, in reality, the situation here is very pathetic and the administration is still indifferent. An inspection conducted by ‘Sanatan Prabhat’ has revealed many serious issues at this stand and the lax management of the administration.

Lack of platforms and signboards for buses departing to Mumbai and Thane

Currently, there is no roof at the place where buses going to Thane and Mumbai are parked. Therefore, passengers have to stand in the hot sun or rain waiting for the buses. Sometimes this waiting period is up to 30-45 minutes. There is no shed, hence, passengers have to struggle to check if their bus has arrived, and if not, to return to their place, while taking care of children or the elderly, as well as umbrellas, luggage etc. This is especially difficult for women passengers. Due to the bright Sun or rains, it is difficult to see the destination on the bus from a distance. Since there is no platform here, there is no signboard indicating which buses will depart from this place, which causes inconvenience to new passengers.

Potholes, mud and unclean surrounding

Vehicles seized by Transport Department parked in ST depot

There are huge potholes right at the main entrance of the bus stand. During the monsoon, the area turns into a muddy mess. As a result, passengers have to risk their safety and struggle to board buses.

The parking area at the rear of the depot is in an extremely unhygienic condition and has there is water-logging, causing algae to grow there. This has also caused health concerns.

Untidy parking lot with accumulated moss

Presence of drug addicts!

The Police room that was earlier located at the bus stand is now closed. In times of crisis, the Police arrive when contacted; however, there is no permanent presence to prevent incidents. Taking advantage of this, drug addicts and beggars have set up camps in the stand area. According to the information given by the security guards, their presence has become a matter of concern for passengers’ safety.

The space around the depot has become overcrowded as vehicles seized by the Transport Department are parked here.

The platform used for buses departing for Thane earlier is now closed. Tree branches have grown right in front of the board displaying its name. There is no cleanliness here and unauthorized posters have been put up. Since the platform is closed, some people are using it to rest too.

Deprived of facilities despite generating the highest revenue ?

The Panvel depot is the only depot in the Mumbai division that issues the highest number of bus passes to students. Despite generating such substantial revenue for the government exchequer, why is this depot still deprived of basic amenities?

The administration’s indifference, but the staff’s alacrity!

While there is administrative apathy at the senior level, the Panvel depot chief has provided relief to passengers by implementing some commendable initiatives with the participation of locals.

1. In addition to one cooler provided by the government, the employees have, on their own, installed 2 additional water coolers for passengers during the summer.

2. Digitally printed bus destination boards have been installed with the help of private organizations to save on painting costs.

3. The depot manager has beautified the depot area by planting trees with the help of locals. (When ordinary employees can bring about change through public participation, does the government need an auspicious time to build a state-of-the-art bus stand ? – Editor).

Positive observations

Currently, toilet and washroom facilities are free here.

Two separate windows are operational for Mumbai and Rural (Konkan-Ghat) sections and security guards are promptly removing drunkards sleeping on benches.

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!