The Hindu                19.04.2013

Bus stand encroached

Passengers affected at Vaeinthaankulam bus stand.

Even as the Vaeinthaankulam new bus stand is getting crowded every day with the start of summer vacation, encroachments by traders on platforms affect movement of passengers, especially parents arriving at the terminus with their baggage and children.

The bus terminus, which was once maintained like an airport, lost its sheen with the passage of time due to inadequate maintenance and non-cooperation of the traders. The bus terminus started stinking as the traders extended their business operations on the platforms with the blessings of some from the Corporation.

Invariably, all teashops prepare snacks by keeping the liquefied petroleum gas stoves on the platform without caring for the passengers’ movement and their safety. The continuous use of platform like a kitchen permanently provided an oil coat on the platform surface that often trips the hurried passengers, especially elderly commuters.

Smoke emanating from the boiling oil and the heat constantly being radiated from the source cause health hazard.

With the onset of summer, juice shops also mushroomed on the platform.

Since the traders have to carry on with their business during power cuts, they have kept their generators on the platforms, leaving a little space for the passengers.

Passengers, who have to take the north-bound long distance buses from the fourth platform, are the worst affected as they are facing a nauseating problem as the nearby space is being used for open defecation.

When Mayor Vijila Sathyananth visited the bus stand recently, she said encroachments would be viewed seriously and the utensils kept on the platforms confiscated immediately. As the warning waned now, the ordinary passengers are at the receiving end. When contacted, Ms. Vijila assured that she would lead the encroachment eviction drive shortly to make it passenger-friendly.