NAGPUR: With the ‘Break The Chain’ restrictions allowing establishments in the city to remain open only till 4pm, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has curtailed the Aapli Bus timings. From earlier 6am to 10pm, the city bus service is operating only till 7pm.
The move has irked passengers, especially workers from industrial areas like Butibori, Hingna, Kalmeshwar etc.
“Everyone is out on the field to earn their daily bread after a series of lockdowns. In such times, the NMC should support us by providing bus service across all routes,” said Pardi resident Mahesh Dukre who works in Hingna MIDC.
State government directives clearly say that public transport can operate with 100% capacity but without standing, but TOI spotted many overcrowded buses with passengers standing in them.
With markets opened, around 46,000 passengers are commuting daily in Aapli Bus service, as per data procured from NMC’s transport department.
Some passengers said they are forced to travel standing as they either cannot afford other modes of transport or cannot wait for the next bus. There is complete inconsistency in Aapli Bus service, was their general reaction.
The working hours of various industrial areas, private and government offices. There are many who travel for work to Khaparkheda, Pardi, Butibori, Kalmeshwar, Hingna MIDC, Ordnance Factory Ambajhari, Wadi, Koradi, Kamptee and many other places.
Almost 90% passengers travelling in city buses belong to the lower to upper lower class. “NMC should empathise with such them. NMC is supposed to spend on welfare of Nagpurians. Instead of thinking it as a business, NMC should run the buses as a service to citizens,” said passengers.
Rajesh Kortim, professional and a resident of Bokhara, was of the view that the civic body never takes these factors and convenience of passengers into consideration before curtailing the bus service. By operating only 50% buses (200 are operating currently), citizens are forced to use private vehicles, thereby increasing expenses on fuel charges.
According to traffic police, vehicular traffic has increased after easing of restrictions, causing increase in road accidents. They too said the Aapli Bus service should be strengthened.
Maya Ojas, who works in Hingna MIDC, said that she is forced to use a two-wheeler due to curtailed city bus service.
“And then the government says number of accidents should come down. It is causing criminal waste of petrol and human lives are at stake due to civic body’s attitude,” said Ojas.
Additional municipal commissioner Jalaj Sharma said that the Aapli Bus timings have been curtailed due to state government guidelines. “If other cities like Mumbai and Pune were running late night city bus service, NMC will review the timings,” he said.
