JOIN USAs Madikeri private bus stand to Mangerira circle concrete works commenced on Monday, the plying of vehicles on this road was stopped and KSRTC bus stand was temporarily shifted to the KSRTC depot while private bus stand was shifted to APMC maidan.
The temporary arrangement has caused great inconvenience to the commuters who had to be in the bus stand, which has no basic infrastructure facilities like drinking water, toilet etc. KSRTC buses have been dropping its passengers outside the depot.
The situation in APMC bus stand is no different. While there is toilet available only for APMC employees, there is no separate toilets built outside for the commuters. The passengers in general and women in specific are facing great inconvenience due to this.
Due to the shortage of infrastructure facilities, commuters are seen getting down at General Thimaiah circle and avoiding both the temporary bus stands. Hence, General Thimaiah circle itself has become like a bus stand adding to the chaos and traffic problems. Even the commuters from private buses are also getting down at the same circle.
With all this confusion, it is the auto drivers who are making hay when the sun shines. Since both the bus stands are away from the town, commuters are compelled to take autorickshaws to reach the town. Auto drivers have realised the significance of the situation and are on full swing over charging the commuter. They charge about Rs 30 to go to places like Mahadevapete and nearby areas, which is in close proximity to the stand. The vendors in the heart of the city are feeling the pinch as their business has dull down right on the first day of the shifting of the stands.
A large number of students are facing inconvenience due to the shifting too. Students of FMC College have to walk a distance of 4 kms from temporary KSRTC bus stand.
Many are raising questions at the security aspect of it too as there are no lights in the bus stands at all. Further, as per the Labour Act, no passengers can be allowed inside the bus stand and with this rule, the condition of the passengers will be truly miserable.
While things are fine for the commuters during the day time, situation turns difficult during the nights.
Provide facilities
APMC President Ramesh Muddaiah has said that letters will be written to DC, Town Municipal Council President and Municipal Commissioner to take steps to provide infrastructure facilities in APMC maidan for the convenience of the commuters.
“Concrete road is necessary keeping in mind the development of Madikeri town and we have no issue to object it but at the same time, it is sad to watch these commuters struggle to get a glass of water too in the maidan because there is no proper facility in place,” he said.