PCMC: Bus Stop Construction, A Costly Project with No Use

Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) elevated bus stop worth 2.5 crores has been constructed on the flyover at Nashik Phata on the BRT route from Bhosari to Wakad. This stop is 45 feet from the ground. Since there is no movement of passengers at this place, how much use will the bus stop be? Such a question is being raised. 

It is clear that the municipality has built this for pure financial extravagance. The bus stand on the BRT route in the city is in a dilapidated condition. In such a situation, a new bus stand of BRT has been constructed at JRD Tata flyover in Nashik Phata Chowk, Kasarwadi. As much as 2 crore 46 lakhs have been spent for that. This stop is at a height of 45 feet from the ground. This will be built and ready within a month. Nashik Phata to Wakad is BRT route. There is no BRT route from Bhosari side yet. 

Pimple Guruva’s Kalpataru Society is the last stop on this route. Next to that this new stop has been made on the flyover. There is not much movement of passengers at this stop. Only the citizens of Kasarwadi area can come and go from this stop. A 45 feet high staircase has to be climbed for that. Senior citizens and sick people cannot use it. As there is no connectivity to come to this route from Nashik Fata Chowk, there is less chance of getting response from the citizens. A question is being raised as to why such a costly stop is being set up when there is no response from the passengers.

Deterioration due to lack of maintenance, repairs

Municipal Corporation has developed BRT works from Sangvi Phata to Kiwale, Nigdi to Dapodi, Nashik Phata to Wakad, Bopkhel to Charholi on Alandi roads, Kalewadi Phata to Chikhli Crores have been spent for it. However, the response of passengers on this BRT route is not satisfactory as sufficient number of buses are not provided by PMPML Also, instead of maintenance and repair, many bus stands have fallen into disrepair. Some stops have even become havens for beggars.

Convenience of hooligans due to the new stop?

A concrete roof has been laid on the railway track on the Nashik Phata flyover. A drinking party is held on that roof. Also, birthdays are celebrated. The hooliganism is done by recording photographs and videos. Such a scene is always seen at this place at night time. A new bus stand has been constructed at the same place. Therefore, the fear is being expressed that the drunkards and rioters will be facilitated in some way.

Bus Stops at Empire Estate Flyover:

The municipality has constructed bus stops on the Kalewadi Phata to Chikhli BRT route on Mother Teresa flyover passing through Empire Estate Housing Society in Chinchwad. The bridge was opened for traffic eight years ago. At that time, two bus stands were constructed on this bridge. The cost of one stop was 60 lakhs. A total of 1 crore 20 lakhs was spent. Both these stops do not get any response from passengers.

Bus Stops for Passenger Convenience:

This is a bus stop on the Nashik Phata flyover on the BRT route. It is being built for the convenience of passengers. Being at a higher altitude, their cost has increased. This work will be completed within a month. Due to this stop, the citizens of Nashik Phata, Kasarwadi, Shankarwadi areas will be able to come and go towards Wakad and Bhosari. In future Dapodi to Nigdi BRT line, Kasarwadi railway station, Metro connectivity will be created for passengers Due to this, PMP Bus, Metro and Railway passengers will be facilitated, said Pramod Ombhase. Head of Civil Engineering Department of the Municipal Corporation.