The second biggest inter-State bus terminal in the Capital city of the State is in a pitiable condition. The ITI bus stand situated at Hehal locality that witnesses almost 6000 passengers everyday does not only lack bare minimum facilities for the passengers but the safety and security of the passengers also appears to be a major concern at the place.
The small shop owners and vendors often complaint about theft in their shops and passengers grieve about their lost baggage and mobile phones. Police presence at the site minimal said locals. A caretaker at the stand said that police come on patrolling in the nearby area, but they never visited the bus stop. People have reported about the mishappenings but no actions have been taken by the police or the authorities, said the shopkeepers.
No public transport such as buses and autos are available for the people after 7 PM, which makes the road lone and unsafe for passengers. Very few street lights are in working conditions. The only waiting room at the bus stand has become the hangout club of local boys for the consumption of alcohol and intoxicants without the fear of being caught.
Around 300 buses originate from here to other districts like Gumla, Daltonganj, Palamu, Garhwa, Chatra and beyond to the neighboring State of Chhattisgarh. However, the condition of the bus stop is highly unfavourable to the passengers as well as the people working in and around the bus stop.
The lack of proper infrastructure is one of the major concerns at the bus stand. Especially, as the monsoon season is approaching, it becomes really difficult for the passengers to find shelter during heavy downpour. The aftermath of rain also creates problems as the uneven grounds become muddy. Passengers or the staffs working there have no alternatives for protecting themselves from rain except for a small shelter that stands in a dilapidated condition at the bus stop.
“I come here very often to board bus for Chhattisgarh but I never prefer waiting in this shelter especially when it is dark and I am with my family. Apart from being filthy, I have seen many people consuming alcohol and drugs here,” said Jagdish Prasad a passenger travelling to Chhattisgarh. Hinting to the problems faced by bus drivers and caretakers Bihari Prasad Verma, a bus caretaker said, “Approximately after 9 PM everything including the washrooms closes down. At night, the bus stand shrouds in darkness. We are the one who face difficulties as we stay here for the whole night.”
The Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has already sent a project for renovation of ITI bus stand to Urban Development office three months back. “We are still waiting for the approval so that we can start the work after that,” said Sanjeev Vijaywargia Deputy Mayor of RMC. He added that he has filed the complaints regarding irregular cleaning, water problems and security to the senior officials but no action has been taken till now.