City bus stand cries for basic facilities

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, August 17

Commuters have been facing difficulties at the city bus stand due to lack of basic facilities. Some shelters have half-broken roofs, providing little protection from heat and rain. People complain that it is difficult to stand in the sun and bear the scorching heat. Often, beggars use the shelters for sleeping.

Route maps highlighting bus arrival timings are in a tattered condition and almost covered with posters. The announcement which is a boon to handicapped and senior citizens is missing and no proper schedule is displayed for bus departures so commuters have to suffer.

Open urinals are a serious issue. Commuters suffer due to lack of proper lighting and anti-social elements move here, posing a threat to women and children.

People have to wade through stagnant water, posing a health risk to children. Aged persons have to suffer as chairs are missing.

The toilets are not in working condition. Garbage is seen around everywhere as dustbins are not provided. It makes the place stinky and a proper breeding ground for mosquitoes. Leaking roofs, rusted pillars, destination boards smeared by dust and grease, broken slabs, encroachments by vendors, lack of public comfort facilities, all depict the neglect the city bus stand has been subjected to.

Manoj Garg, a commuter from Aggarwal Colony, said, “I don’t understand why the Bathinda administration is not taking care of the bus stops. Owing to lack of maintenance one finds it difficult to read the schedule boards.”

Sita Ram, a supervisor with the PRTC bus stand, Bathinda, said, “We are working to provide facilities to commuters. We will try to address all problems the passengers have been facing at the bus stand.”