TIRUCHY: The city police has been conducting crackdowns and awareness campaigns regularly to ensure free movement inside the Chathiram bus stand. But the measures have failed to yield the desired results and the commuters face hardship as several two-wheelers and autorickshaws use the facility as a shortcut to reach the other side of the road.
Also, several people regularly park their vehicles inside the bus stand, despite the availability of designated parking lot in the area which amplifies the congestion. The Chathiram bus stand was renovated in 2021 at a cost of Rs 20 crore under the Smart Cities Mission and inaugurated by Chief Minister MK Stalin.
It is a hub for town buses operating to several destinations which caters to thousands of people everyday. As per rules, entry of vehicles other than buses is banned into the bus stand. But at any given time of the day, two-wheelers and autorickshaws can be seen entering the facility to pick-up and drop-off customers or as a shortcut.
This often results in traffic snarls and heated arguments between the bus crews and others. Despite the presence of a police outpost within the complex, no effective action has been taken to prevent illegal entry or remove unauthorised vehicles.
Speaking to TNIE, B Baskar, a private bus driver, said, “Initially, police placed ‘No Entry’ banners. But due to lack of strict enforcement, two-wheeler riders continue to enter the bus stand every day. Pedestrians are at risk because vehicles move unpredictably inside the bus stand.” Road safety activist P Ayyarappan added,
“Due to illegal entry of vehicles and unauthorised parking, pedestrians face serious risks inside the bus stand. Two-wheelers and autorickshaws move freely inside, creating a highly dangerous environment.
Children and elderly commuters, are vulnerable, as there is very little safe space for them to walk or wait.” When contacted, a senior police officer said, “We will increase police presence inside the complex and coordinate with the traffic wing to ensure smooth bus movement and safety of pedestrians.”