ALLAN D’CRUZ
SANCOALE
A bus shed built by the local panchayat near the MES College at Zuari Nagar-Sancoale and demolished by the national highways authority around two months ago, has left commuters stranded as authorities are yet to rebuild a bus stand near the site.
According to sources, the bus shed was demolished from the site by the national highway authority as the highway motorists complained that they were unable to sight oncoming vehicles from the connecting road.
While questioning the decision to demolish the bus shed, some commuters sought to know why the bus shed was constructed at the site in the first place, without ascertaining the safety concerns.
“The bus shed was present for quite a long time and it was only lately that the highway authority realized the danger and demolished the bus shed. Why was this safety aspect not analysed before constructing the bus shed? Public funds were unnecessarily wasted by building this shed and demolishing it later,” remarked a commuter who declined to be named.
Another commuter, Abigail Furtado, felt that though authorities were justified in demolishing the bus shed as it was causing problems for motorists, the bus shed should have been immediately shifted a few metres behind for the benefit of the many locals and students passengers commuting by bus.
A college student, Shafla, admitted that student commuters are among the many affected commuters due to the absence of a bus shed. “The shed should be built as soon as possible as it is very difficult to stand in the open and wait for the bus during these rains,” said Shafla.
When contacted, Sancoale Sarpanch Sharan Methi and a resident of the same area, confirmed that the bus shed had been demolished by the national highways authority as it had obstructed the vision of highway motorists from vehicles along the MES college road.
“I will take some action and will try to put up the shed within the next couple of weeks in such a manner that it will not cause obstruction to anyone. This bus shed is necessary as it is in the interest of the people,” added Methi.
Despite efforts, Four-Lane Highway Technical Manager C O Furtado was not available for comments in the matter.
