Following a recent unfortunate incident at the Swargate bus depot in Pune, Maharashtra Transport Minister Madhuri Misal visited the site on Saturday and expressed concerns over the lack of security measures. She acknowledged that despite government directives, there has been negligence in their implementation at the ground level.
Security Issues at the Depot
The incident involving the assault of a 26-year-old woman inside a bus has highlighted serious security lapses and the presence of antisocial elements in the depot. During her inspection, the minister observed that the depot also lacked a proper complaint redressal system, leaving passengers with no effective way to report issues.
Government’s Immediate Actions
Minister Misal announced several measures to enhance security and improve conditions at the Swargate depot. The government has decided to remove all inactive buses occupying space in the depot by April 15. Additionally, the following steps will be taken to ensure passenger safety, especially for women:
- Expansion of CCTV Surveillance: More CCTV cameras will be installed across the depot premises to improve monitoring.
- Deployment of Women Security Guards: Female security personnel will be stationed at key locations for better protection of women passengers.
- Formation of a Vigilance Unit: A dedicated vigilance unit will be set up to oversee and enforce security measures effectively.
The minister also confirmed that a formal investigation into the recent incident is underway, and strict action will be taken against those found guilty.
Passenger Reactions and Current Depot Conditions
Frequent travelers at Swargate depot have expressed dissatisfaction with its poor management and security issues. The depot also faces problems such as waterlogging and potholes, which make commuting difficult, especially during the monsoon season. Additionally, unauthorized private operators and brokers continue to harass passengers, causing further inconvenience.
With these newly proposed measures, the government aims to enhance safety and overall passenger experience at Swargate depot. However, the effectiveness of these changes will depend on how swiftly and efficiently they are implemented.
