Pune: The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has taken a significant step toward improving security at Swargate Bus Stand by removing the scrap buses that had been lying in the depot for the past seven years. These buses were cleared using cranes and will soon be permanently disposed of.
This action has dismantled a criminal hub that had formed in the area over time. However, ensuring long-term safety and preventing further criminal activities remains a major challenge for the transport administration.
For years, the presence of criminals and unauthorized individuals had turned the Swargate Bus Stand into a hotspot for theft, substance abuse, and other illegal activities. Security concerns, including inadequate surveillance, limited CCTV coverage, and a shortage of security personnel, had allowed these issues to persist.
Additionally, poorly lit areas at night had become breeding grounds for crime, highlighting the urgent need for better monitoring and preventive measures.
Security Concerns at the Bus Stand
Certain locations within the bus stand, especially those where buses to Solapur and Kolhapur are stationed, are known to have a higher presence of criminal elements. The situation worsens between 11 PM and 5 AM, when drug addicts, unauthorized vendors, and transgenders are frequently seen loitering around.
Reports indicate that:
Some individuals openly consume drugs in the area.
Theft incidents targeting passengers’ luggage, valuables, and jewelry are frequent.
Many of these individuals are already known to security personnel, but due to a lack of strict action, they continue to operate freely.
To tackle this, security officers must take strict action against these individuals and permanently ban them from entering the premises.
Security Personnel at Risk, Demand Stronger Measures
Former security personnel at the bus stand have raised concerns about their safety while handling criminal elements. Chandrakant Gaikwad, a former security staff member at Swargate Bus Stand, shared his experience:
"I worked in the security department here for seven years and was attacked multiple times by criminal groups. The area is a hub for drug addicts and thieves. Though security guards are deployed, there is no dedicated security officer to oversee their operations. Increasing the number of security officials is essential to ensure better control over the situation."