Mangaluru: A temporary bus shelter erected at Thokottu has drawn sharp criticism from commuters and local residents, who have expressed serious concerns over passenger safety during the ongoing monsoon season. Despite road repair works in the area having been completed several months ago, a permanent bus shelter has not yet been constructed, leaving hundreds of daily commuters dependent on a makeshift arrangement.
The temporary shelter, consisting of a green shamiana supported by iron poles and equipped with plastic chairs, has become a cause of anxiety, particularly as heavy rain and strong winds continue to lash the coastal region. Residents say the structure is inadequate to withstand harsh weather conditions and have urged the authorities to replace it with a permanent concrete shelter without further delay.
Makeshift shelter worries commuters
The temporary bus shelter was reportedly installed as an interim arrangement during road improvement works in Thokottu. However, even after the completion of the road project, the makeshift structure remains in place, forcing commuters to continue using it for protection from the elements.
Passengers waiting for buses have voiced concerns that the shamiana offers little security during heavy rainfall and gusty winds, both of which are common during the southwest monsoon in Dakshina Kannada.
Unlike a permanent bus shelter with a solid roof and reinforced structure, the current arrangement relies on iron poles and tarpaulin sheets, raising fears that it could collapse during adverse weather.
Residents fear accidents during heavy rain
Local residents have warned that the temporary structure poses a potential safety hazard, especially during periods of intense rain accompanied by strong winds.
They fear that if the tarpaulin sheets are blown away or the supporting iron poles become unstable, passengers waiting underneath could suffer injuries. The concern is particularly significant as the bus stop is frequently used by school children, senior citizens, office-goers and daily wage workers.
Residents pointed out that a bus shelter is meant to provide safety and protection from the weather, but the current arrangement has instead become a source of uncertainty for those using public transport.
With the monsoon expected to continue over the coming weeks, locals believe immediate intervention is necessary to prevent any untoward incidents.
Delay in permanent bus shelter questioned
Residents have questioned why a permanent bus shelter has not yet been constructed despite the completion of road repair works months ago.
According to locals, repeated requests have been made to the authorities for a proper bus shelter, but no permanent solution has materialised. They argue that public infrastructure should be completed alongside road development projects so that commuters are not inconvenienced after the works are finished.
The continued reliance on a temporary structure has also led to frustration among residents, who believe that the issue has remained unresolved for far too long.
Political criticism over the issue
The matter has also taken on political significance as the bus stop falls within the Assembly constituency represented by a sitting state minister.
Residents questioned why such a basic public amenity has not been provided despite the area’s political representation and repeated appeals from the public. They said commuters should not have to depend on a temporary shamiana for protection from rain when a permanent structure could offer greater safety and convenience.
Locals stressed that the issue is not merely about comfort but about ensuring public safety, particularly during the monsoon when weather conditions can change rapidly.
Demand for immediate action
Residents have urged the gram panchayat and the concerned government departments to take immediate steps to construct a permanent concrete bus shelter at the earliest.
They believe a well-built shelter would not only provide better protection from rain and sunlight but also improve convenience for the large number of passengers who use the stop every day.
With the southwest monsoon continuing across coastal Karnataka, residents have appealed to the authorities to treat the issue as a priority and complete the long-pending infrastructure work before any accident occurs.