Dark, desolate and dilapidated: Commuters suffer as Ponda’s unsafe KTC Bus Stand awaits renovation

PONDA: Anxious that the KTC Bus Stand in Ponda may turn into a haven for anti-social elements, the people of Ponda and surrounding areas have demanded that the authorities concerned expedite the renovation work, or at least illuminate the facility for the safety of commuters. 

“For the past six months, the bus stand has been in complete darkness at nighttime, and this is worrisome especially for women and children passengers, who could be targeted by thieves and other anti-social elements,” said Viraj Sapre, a Ponda-based social worker.   

Businessmen operating within the KTC premises told Herald that the focus lights at the bus stand were disconnected six months ago, when the renovation work began. “Since then, the bus stand has been in darkness, and appears like a graveyard at night as it is also surrounded by shrubbery and large trees,” said a merchant at the bus stand. 

To make matters worse, the roads and bus bays within the premises are riddled with potholes and craters, making it even more difficult for commuters to find their way around at nighttime. Passengers are confused as to how to exit the bus stand, and those waiting in the dark are also subject to mosquito bites 

because of the shrubbery, he added.  “Other than the interstate buses, most local buses avoid going into the bus stand at night owing to the bad roads and prefer to stop on the main road to pick up passengers,” said 

the merchant. 

Locals also alleged that the renovation work on the Bus Stand shed has also been halted for the past four months, forcing passengers to wait for their buses under the scorching sun, as the temporary shed can only accommodate a few people at a time.  

Last year, the government had declared the shed unsafe for passengers. Three months later, in June, renovation works at a cost of Rs one crore began at the facility. “The contractor said the new shelter will be erected within three months, but the work seems to have been abandoned for the past four months, and we do not know why, or when it will be taken up again,” said a merchant at the bus stand. 

When contacted, KTC Director Sanjay Ghate claimed that the renovation work has not been halted, but is ongoing. He said that they are in the process of procuring the required materials for the renovation of the shed.  

There is growing demand for a new bus stand to be constructed at Ponda, said former Bandora Sarpanch Rajesh Naik, who said that a renovation may not be enough to address all the issues plaguing the present facility.