Ill-maintained bus stand plagues Panchkula

Many important routes in the neighbouring states are not connected. Some destinations like Shimla and Kasauli,which have a dedicated platform have no bus plying to these destinations. It might be mentioned here that Panchkula is like a second home to many people,especially students from neighbouring states.

Having been left with no other option the harassed commuters have to suffocate themselves in jam-packed buses from Manimajra and Zirakpur. The bus stand fares no better in terms of basic amenities. One is welcomed to the bus-stand by its pothole-filled entry which gets saturated with rain water even after a small shower. With the rainy season around,not many would miss the sight.

The marble bus platforms are mostly littered with mud and wrappers. The lack of embellishment on the bus stand is compensated by the bird droppings on the benches and a leaking roof. When contacted regarding the state of cleanliness on the bus stand In-charge Ram Senhi pointed out that the workers were busy in removing scrap materials from the office which had led to the delay in mopping floors. Upon being contacted,Dharamveer Singh,Secretary Regional Transport Authority (RTA) refused to comment.

“The condition of the bus stand is the same every day. The bathrooms are unhygienic and stink so much that one has to think a hundred times before using them. The water supply in the bathrooms is erratic and the water taps very dirty,” said Ashok Kumar,a daily commuter to Naraingarh.