VISAKHAPATNAM: Commuters face the heat literally as many bus shelters in the city are shelters only in name. While a few bus shelters are encroached upon by beggars, some are under renovation. The result: commuters are forced to stand in the sun while waiting for buses. Important junctions in the city like the RTC complex and Jagadamba do not have proper bus shelters. Commuters going towards Maddilapalem and Madhurawada areas have to wait under the hot sun at Jail Road and at the RTC complex as the shelter is under renovation.
Commuters’ condition is pitiable as they wait on the road divider. Those going to Poorna Market from the Jagadamba junction have no option but to stand in the sweltering heat as there is no bus stop. Similarly passengers from Asilmetta have to go on foot to the RTC complex, as there are no buses passing through the way.
“We were told that buses would stop here only. This is said to be one of the busiest junctions but there is no bus shelter. It is a tough task to run through the maze of auto-rickshaws and board a bus,” said N Hemalatha, a native of Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district.
The Venkojipalem area does not have any bus shelter, so tree shade are the only relief. A number of students going towards MVP Colony, Chinawaltair and Siripuram for colleges are forced to stand under the sun every morning. Gopalapatnam, Gnanapuram, Allipuram and a few other areas face similar situation.
Meanwhile, beggars and roadside vendors use the bus shelters for relaxation. On can also find stray dogs resting at several bus shelters. The facilities at Beach Road, Siripuram, Andhra University gate, Jagadamba junction, HB Colony, Eenadu and Lawson’s Bay Colony face similar issues.
No shelter