Panvel residents demand intra- city transport system

Villagers have to walk or shell out a large sum to travel by ST buses or autorickshaws. MUMBAI: Absence of an intra-city public transport system coupled with arrogant autorickshaw drivers is making commuting difficult for residents of Panvel.

For the past two years, Jyesht Nagarik Sangh, an association of senior citizens, has been demanding a ring-route service connecting New and Old Panvel. Recently, they had sent a letter specifying their demand to the guardian minister of Raigad, Sunil Tatkare. But, to no avail.

Important offices such as the New Panvel police station and DCP’s office are far from the railway station and ST bus stand. As hundred of villages are under the jurisdiction of these police stations, villagers have to either walk or shell out a large sum to travel by ST buses or autorickshaws. The absence of a planned transport system also affects students, working class and senior citizens. Autorickshaw drivers, who don’t install meters, ask passengers to pay Rs50-60 for a 4km ride.

Kshitij Desai, a resident of Panvel said, “The city of Panvel is a small port spread over an area of 13 sqkm, with a population of around 2.5 lakh. With various projects such as the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation ( ONGC), Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) among others being undertaken, the number of people travelling to the city has increased manifold.”

“While the city had good road and rail connectivity, there is no bus service for residents of Old Panvel. This increases their dependence on autorickshaw drivers, who then fleece them,” he said.

Abha Bhagat, another resident, said, “Since most of the roads in the city are narrow, regular buses may not be a feasible option.”

The Panvel Municipal Council officials said that they have been working on the proposal, but no decision has been taken yet.

BACHCHAN KUMAR