Mangaluru: A damaged bus shelter near St Agnes College in Bendore has become a serious safety concern after shattered glass panels were left uncleared for several days, exposing commuters, particularly students, to the risk of injury. Residents have criticised the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) for its alleged negligence, saying the civic body has failed to address a hazard at one of the city’s busiest public transport points.
Located in a prominent part of the city, the bus shelter is used daily by thousands of school and college students, office-goers and other commuters. Despite the damage occurring several days ago, the broken glass remains scattered across the shelter, prompting calls for immediate action from the authorities.
Glass debris remains uncleared
According to local residents, the glass panels of the bus shelter were shattered recently, reportedly after a tree fell on the structure during heavy rains.
While the damaged panels have remained in place, the shattered glass pieces have been left scattered across the seating area and the floor of the shelter. Commuters say the debris has not been cleared even after several days, increasing the risk of accidents.
Those using the shelter are forced to carefully navigate around the sharp glass fragments while waiting for buses, raising concerns about public safety.
Thousands of students use the shelter daily
The bus shelter is situated near St Agnes College, one of the busiest educational zones in Mangaluru, and witnesses heavy footfall throughout the day.
Apart from college students, schoolchildren, office employees and members of the general public rely on the shelter for their daily commute.
Residents pointed out that the presence of broken glass in such a crowded location poses a significant danger, especially to students who may accidentally step on the sharp shards while boarding or alighting from buses.
They warned that any delay in removing the debris could result in avoidable injuries.
Residents criticise civic apathy
Commuters have expressed disappointment over what they describe as the civic body’s failure to respond promptly to a public safety issue.
They questioned why the hazardous glass fragments have remained at the site for days despite the shelter being located in a high-traffic area.
Several residents said the MCC should have immediately removed the broken glass, secured the damaged structure and initiated repair work to prevent accidents.
They also pointed out that if a student or any member of the public suffers injuries because of the exposed glass, fixing responsibility afterwards would do little to compensate for the harm caused.
‘Swachh Bharat’ branding draws criticism
Adding to the irony, the bus shelter prominently displays the branding of the Swachh Bharat initiative.
Residents said the presence of shattered glass and the lack of maintenance stand in stark contrast to the campaign’s emphasis on cleanliness and safe public spaces.
The condition of the shelter has drawn criticism from local commuters, who argue that public infrastructure should be maintained regularly to ensure the safety and convenience of citizens.
They urged the civic authorities to uphold the standards associated with the cleanliness campaign by promptly clearing the debris and restoring the damaged shelter.
Calls for immediate repairs
Residents have appealed to the Mangaluru City Corporation to treat the issue as a priority and carry out immediate repair work.
They have sought the removal of all broken glass pieces, replacement of the damaged panels and a thorough inspection of the structure to ensure it is safe for public use.
Commuters also called for periodic inspections of bus shelters across the city, particularly during the monsoon season, when heavy rains and falling trees can damage public infrastructure.
They said timely maintenance would help prevent similar incidents and improve commuter safety.
Conclusion
The damaged bus shelter near St Agnes College has highlighted concerns over the maintenance of public infrastructure in Mangaluru. With thousands of commuters, especially students, using the facility every day, residents have urged the Mangaluru City Corporation to immediately clear the shattered glass and repair the shelter before someone is seriously injured.