With the southwest monsoon lashing the city hard, the chances of the dilapidated KSRTC stand at Ernakulam boat Jetty withstanding the showers seems to be grim. Even prior to the onset of the monsoon season, the rooms in the stand were in a bad shape.
What makes matters worse, is that the room used by entire staff at the stand is already in ruins.
“We have no hopes that the building will withstand this year’s rain.
Despite frequent reminders to the authorities, no concrete action has been taken so far,” said C T Unnikrishnan, station master at Ernakulam stand. He said that only funds from representatives such as the MLA fund or MP fund can bring relief to the KSRTC as the Corporation is unable to afford the renovation cost,” he said.
According to the staff, hundreds of passengers use the bus stand on a daily basis and it is the need of the hour to maintain the station. The station operates over 315 services, and around 1,000 people are coming here daily. The station is bereft of even the basic amenities like a public toilet for either the employees or the passengers, “ I have been taking a bus to work from the stand for the last 10 years. There is no urinal, enquiry room or proper shelter” said Hisha, a commuter.
The monsoon season will, in all probabilities, give way for another nightmare. The bus stand is already inundated. “Lack of proper drainage in the station prevents the water levels from receding. The station was submerged in the previous monsoon. Passengers could not even board the bus.” said Lanson, another passenger. “There should be a plan to strengthen the basic infrastructure to prevent frequent water logging”, he added.
New Indian Express
