No shelters for passengers waiting at Panvel ST depot

PANVEL: With the dilapidated structure at ST bus depot in Panvel being pulled down, passengers have to wait for buses in the scorching heat this summer. This has added to the problems of passengers.

Panvel bus depot is a major centre for travel to the urban and rural areas of Maharashtra. Buses ply t o and f ro f rom Konkan, Western Maharashtra, Khandesh from here. Hence there is always a rush at the depot.

The dilapidated building was demolished last year. Apart from passengers travelling long distance, other passengers also have a tough time taking bus from the depot to villages. A year on, there is not even a temporary shed at the depot for passengers.

A new building will be constructed at the depot.

For those travelling long distances, the MSRDC has constructed a shed in the central area of the depot. However, for those travelling to Uran, Karjat, Kalyan, Alibaug, Khopoli and Lonavla, they have to stand outside in the hot sun.

Atul Jaitpal, a resident, said, “There was not much problem in the winter, however, now with summer at its peak, the heat is unbearable. The depot had witnessed a huge rush last week owing to the extended weekend. The passengers had a tough time.”

He added, “Till the new building is constructed, the authorities need to make temporary arrangements for the passengers. As it is, passengers have to rush from one place to another to board a bus, as there is a lot of confusion here.”

Ashwathama Pravasi Sangh, a New Panvel-based passenger association, has decided to complain on the issue to MSRDC.

A member said, “The authorities seem to care little for passengers. It is not clear when the new building will be constructed. Why can’t a temporary shed be constructed till then?”

“We will take up the matter with the authorities,” he added.

Panvel depot officials said they are looking into the issue and hoping to find a solution soon.

BACHCHAN KUMAR Commuters have to wait outside after the structure at Panvel ST bus depot was razed.