T Nagar bus stand has no facility to ‘ease’ passengers’ problems

Although the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) has cut down the number of services from 65 to 35 from the T Nagar terminus, the facility still remains congested.

This facility caters to thousands of commuters every day, given its location at the shopping hub of the city. The commuters complain about the prevailing congestion, in addition to the lack of basic amenities ranging from the shortage of drinking water supply to the absence of public toilets and urinals.

It witnesses a footfall of around 50,000 commuters, and the number steeply rises during the festival seasons. As many as 465 buses are being operated accounting for 2,000 trips every day. Various bus routes including 27 C, 13 series, 11 A, G 18 and the like are being operated.

The access road to the bus bays of terminus is well-laid. But it is not differently-abled-friendly as the approach road to the terminus is slightly elevated.

The unlevelled roads causes inundation of the terminus during the rainy seasons.

“It is tough to board a bus during rainy season. During monsoons, the rainwater from the main road drains into the terminus, turning this place into a mess. So, we try to board buses at the entrance of the facility,” said a commuter, S Anjali.

The seating arrangements available at the facility fails to benefit even a fraction of the total number of passengers visiting it. Further, there is no provision for purified drinking water.

“At many instances, we sit on the concrete floors of the bus bays and sprint when we catch the sight of buses to our destinations,” said another commuter, Sharadha. At this facility, commuters sprinting to catch a bus is a common sight. People continue to do this despite the peril involved.

“The drivers operating here are constantly vying for space to park their vehicles inside. They compete with fellow drivers when it comes to finding a parking space. There are various instances where passengers were caught between two moving buses,” a source said.

While we comment on the problems at the bus station, it is important to give credit to the timing board and audio announcement system in place to aid the passengers. It is also safe for women to travel around the clock due to the constant movement of people. It is also equipped with a baby feeding room for the convenience of nursing mothers.

The MTC buses are regarded as the main reason for piling up of vehicles along the stretch. A top official said, "It is true that all the public toilets present inside the MTC depots are not in a goodcondition. The Corporation is functioning under unduefinancial stress. We are giving priority to the maintenance of fleet and operation of buses at this point. Soon, we will take steps for the upkeep of other basic amenities."

A year ago, a public toilet inside the terminus was demolished. It was not followed up by building a new one despite a good number of passengers of all age groups visit the place. Because of this foul smell constantly emanates from the place as the public utilise the adjoining areas to relieve themselves.