Hasty removal of SMT bus-stop raises queries

Consequently, the couple-of-kilometre-long stretch between Vikasnagar and Karigar petrol is without a bus-halt now.

The school children are the worst sufferers due to this action. Bhima Koli, a resident and frequent commuter by SMT bus said that he had to catch the bus daily walking a long way down.

When contacted SMT manager A H Malav, who has taken charge recently and has overhauled the SMT administration to uplift the SMT running in huge losses, told this newspaper that the suggestion of removing the bus stop came from the city traffic police at a meeting to pave way for easy flow of vehicular traffic.

However, there are few takers for this explantion. Former deputy mayor Sangappa Kegnalkar has expressed doubts. While talking to The Indian Express he alleged that the bus stop was removed to help the hotel owner and said that there were so many such bus stops causing traffic problems in the city. The swiftness with which the stop was removed speaks for itself, he added.