Pune: Chaos Reigns Supreme At Swargate And Shivajinagar Bus Terminus
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The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) and Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) bus terminuses at Swargate and Shivajinagar have become a nightmare for commuters. The lack of monitoring and mismanagement have created a chaotic situation, putting the lives of commuters at risk.
The two terminuses witness hundreds of buses operating daily, leading to a huge footfall of commuters. However, the absence of proper planning and management has resulted in a free-for-all situation. Commuters are forced to compete with buses to enter and exit the gates, amidst sheer chaos on the premises and outside.
The situation outside the terminuses is equally worrisome, with commuters having to deal with vehicular traffic, haphazardly parked autorickshaws, encroachments by private bus operators, and food stalls. The ongoing Metro works have added to the pandemonium.
Commuters have expressed their frustration and concern over the situation. A regular traveler from MSRTC’s Swargate terminus, said, “The situation is always very chaotic in the entire vicinity, and the area is prone to accidents.”
Local residents have also criticized the lack of collective efforts from the traffic police, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), MSRTC, PMPML, and Maha Metro to deal with the situation. A local resident, said, “A lack of collective efforts has aggravated the problems. The traffic police, PMC, MSRTC, and PMPML need to take responsibility to prepare a vehicular movement plan.”
MSRTC officials have claimed that state bus drivers have been instructed not to park or halt buses in a way that obstructs commuters’ movement. However, commuters have alleged that the indiscipline has worsened.
The bus terminus in Shivajinagar faces a similar chaotic situation. Rajendra Raut, who daily takes a PMPML bus from Shivajinagar, said, “Buses halt randomly, and commuters are forced to chase them to board. Autorickshaws parked along the road outside create a massive hurdle for citizens. The footpaths are occupied by stall vendors. Commuters have no choice but to make their way through the commotion on the road and risk their lives.”
PMPML officials have claimed that they have deployed staff at Swargate and Shivajinagar terminuses to manage operations. However, commuters have demanded more effective measures to address the chaos and ensure their safety.
