Bus stops sans shelters raise commuters heckles

Vijayawada: With the onset of summer, the problem with sultry weather is worrying commuters the most as they had to stand at open places waiting for buses braving scorching sun. The Vijayawada Municipal Corporation and other departments which are supposed to provide shelter to denizens at bus stops failed to act so far.

Scores of busy junctions located on the important roads in the city urgently needs bus shelters for the convenience of passengers. As the scorching temperature is increasing year after year in the city, elderly people and children are the worst hit during the summer.

Before commencement of Durga temple flyover works long ago, the traffic officials diverted vehicles coming towards Vijayawada from Hyderabad side onto bypass road that connects Gollapudi, Sitara Centre and Kabela. It may take another six months to finish the works. In other words, commuters have to wait for the buses at different places exposing themselves to scorching sun during this summer.

Lack of bus shelter is serious at Sitara Centre, Kabela Centre, Milk Project Centre when commuters travel towards Kaleswara Rao Market. When vehicles coming towards Gollapudi from Kaleswara Rao market centre, heat conditions trouble commuters at Panja Centre, Fish Market, KBN College, Chittinagar, Sitara and other spots. The commuters suffer a lot and run for some shade to save their skin and health from excessive heat. “We have been facing inconvenience by sweating excessively at the bus stops waiting for buses.

The problem is severe at One Town as the flyover is under construction,” said Rukmini, a sales girl in Vastralata. Vijay Kumar, a security guard, who travels from Jakkampudi to Urvasi Centre regularly, said that there was no arrangement by authorities to build bus shelter at Gandhinagar and vegetable market near Urvasi centre.

“The commuters have to sweat profusely in buses which are fully occupied and there is no space even to stand comfortably. When long wait coupled with the subsequent travel in buses, it gives a hell-like feeling to the consumers,” he added.

Vinod, an Intermediate student, attending exams, said that he found it difficult to catch two buses to reach destination.

“Bus shelters are direly needed at many places. Philanthropists, clubs and voluntary organisations should take initiative to construct them as the civic body is facing financial crunch,” he said.