Mangaluru
The renovation of the State Bank service bus stand, initiated a few years ago at a cost of Rs 4.2 crore, remains incomplete, leaving portions untouched. Despite significant expenditure, the facility continues to face challenges in its development. Only two out of the five bus shelters have received newly constructed roofs, while the remaining three shelters remain untouched for several years. Passengers endure inconvenience due to damaged shelters, with some areas lacking roofs entirely. Despite public demands for comprehensive development, the concerned administration has neglected to address the issues plaguing the service bus stand.
In the harsh heat, passengers are compelled to wait with makeshift measures like umbrellas or towels to shield themselves from the sun. The broken tiles further underscore the incomplete and poor quality of the work. Additionally, shelters lacking roofs pose a safety hazard with sharp iron grills, particularly when passengers rush towards buses.
The urgency to catch buses may result in passengers colliding with the dangerous iron grills, leading to serious injuries. It is essential for bus drivers, conductors, and the public to collectively maintain the service bus stand. Observations reveal hygiene and cleanliness concerns around the bus stand, indicating inadequate maintenance. Despite long-standing demands from bus drivers and conductors for overall development, officials have not addressed these issues. Furthermore, significant funds spent on constructing a pedestrian footpath adjacent to the service bus stand are marred by its misuse for urination, causing distress to pedestrians.
The question arises whether the concerned administration, if taking up development works, will effectively maintain the service bus stand. The current state of footpaths, post-urination, highlights the need for officials to go the extra mile in ensuring proper maintenance after development.
