Vendors exploit of inadequate drinking water facilities at Swargate bus stand

Severe lack of other amenities and safety at stake!

Inoperative water tank facility and Water cooler in a bad condition

Pune – Due to the lack of proper waste water drainage arrangements at Swargate bus stand, one of the oldest and most important ones in Pune district, water is getting blocked in the main water tank. Therefore, this water tank has been closed. There are 4 water coolers in the area and when they were checked, only 1 of them was found to be working. When the representative of the daily ‘Sanatan Prabhat’ informed the head of the concerned depot in this regard, he said, “The Rotary Club members have installed them, I will inform them when they come.” (The public doesn’t want officials who give such answers, but such officials who immediately inform the concerned, get the coolers repaired and take care of the passengers – Editor).

1. Taking advantage of the inadequate drinking water facilities in the summer, vendors outside and inside the stand are selling Rs 15 water bottles to passengers for Rs 20. The officials at the bus stand do not even bother to question these vendors. Due to this, the passengers have to unnecessarily spend extra money. When the depot chief was informed about this, he gave an irresponsible reply that ‘we take action only when we receive a complaint’. (This is gross irresponsibility towards the passengers. Would it be surprising if someone were to suspect that there is financial collusion between the vendors and the officials? – Editor)

2. The foul smell from the toilets at this bus stand is spreading in the area. When the officials were asked about this, they replied, “A new contractor will assign the work of cleaning after the ticket price is increased by Rs 2.”

3. There are several potholes in the bus stand premises.

4. Two-wheelers and four-wheelers were parked right next to the ‘No Parking’ sign. (Why aren’t these private vehicle owners fined for this wrongdoing ? – Editor).

Vehicles parked in wrong places

Other issues

1. There is no signboard indicating the location of the Hirkani Room (mother-baby room), so passengers cannot come to know about it.

2. Passengers told that several buses do not depart from the bus stand on time and hence passengers have to wait for the buses for a long time, in the sun.

3. There is no facility of a first aid cell or first aid box here. The concerned officials said that the fire extinguisher cylinder had been taken for refilling of gas.

4. The driver-conductor restroom is also not in good condition.

Small closed room in the area

5. Since there is no space to turn the vehicle, it is parked facing the opposite direction, which causes inconvenience to the passengers.

6. There is a small tiled room in the premises. It is not clear whether there was a temple there in the past. The officials were reluctant to answer when asked about this.

7. At night, the number of people sleeping unauthorisedly at the bus stand is greater than the number of passengers. Therefore, passenger safety has become a concern. The staff expressed helplessness regarding this problem.

Earlier, an unfortunate incident of rape had taken place in an empty bus in this area. When a representative of ‘Sanatan Prabhat’ asked the officials about the condition of the bus stand, they expressed the opinion that there is a need to renovate this important bus stand in the city and equip it with modern facilities.

If basic drinking water facility is not available at the bus stand, file a complaint with MSRTC at the following link:

https://msrtc.maharashtra.gov.in/GeneralPages/Suggestions.aspx

Send information about the poor condition of the bus stops with photos!

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!