Passengers, operators seek repair of dilapidated bus depot

Ranchi: Passengers and bus operators have expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the govt bus stand near the Ranchi railway station, especially ahead of monsoon.Commuters said the building is dilapidated, with peeling plaster and damaged steps posing risks. Operators said that the premises get inundated during rain, disrupting bus and passenger movement.Thousands arrive at the bus stand daily to travel to several places, including Jamshedpur, Dhanbad, Deoghar and Hazaribag. Both commuters and drivers said infrastructure neglect has persisted for years, with little improvement in amenities.Mansha Munda, a bus driver, said around 50 AC buses under the Jharkhand Drutgami Vatanukulit Deluxe Bus Sewa initiative operate from the stand to districts.“Despite being a prominent bus depot, the building looks like it might collapse at any moment. With the rains approaching, the risk of such an accident increases manifold. But the govt and department concerned have not yet taken up any redevelopment initiative to upgrade the facility,” Munda said.Another driver, Dinesh Yadav, said waterlogging severely affects operations. “Waterlogging makes it difficult for buses to enter and exit the depot, affecting passengers, drivers and staff alike. The inundation also damages to vehicle parts, resulting in losses for bus operators,” he said.Commuters also flagged lack of functional drinking water facilities, toilets and seating. Elderly passenger Prahlad Sahu said the approach to the ticket counter is unsafe and inaccessible. “Bricks on the concrete steps approaching the ticket counter have come out, indicating the need for immediate renovation. There is not even a handle to support while ascending the steps, forget about the availability of a ramp,” he said.Urban development and housing department’s principal secretary Sunil Kumar said, “The department is soon going to revamp three bus depots in the city, Khadgarha, govt bus stand and the ITI bus stand. An estimated Rs 20 crore has been earmarked for the redevelopment of the govt bus stand, and works will begin soon. After that, the depot will be turned into a modern bus stand having all amenities, which will end the current issues.”