PUNE: The new state transport (ST) depot in Wakdewadi has become a place to fleece passengers by autorickshaw drivers in the absence of adequate buses of PMPML connecting the depot to various parts of the city.
Also, the traffic jam has become a routine affair on the old Pune-Mumbai highway outside the bus stand.
The new bus stand of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) became operational from December 31, 2019, after Shivajinagar ST stand was relocated there due to construction of Pune metro underground station.
AUTORICKSHAW DRIVERS REFUSE TO PLY BY METER
Neither the ST department nor the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) officials made efforts to increase or start new city service buses from Wakdewadi ST stand. This has made it easier for autorickshaw drivers to extort fares as per their wishes.
When Sakal Times reporter visited the bus stand on Thursday afternoon, the autorickhsaw drivers were demanding Rs 130 for going from bus stand to Swargate, while the normal fare is about Rs 70.
They are charging double fare for Kothrud, Baner, Deccan Gymkhana and many more places in cities.
Raju Jadhav, a local commuter, said, “I travel in ST bus daily from Hadapsar to Shivajinagar for work. But after the bus stand shifted to Wakdewadi I have to now pay more. The autorickshaw drivers are charging Rs 70 for travelling from Wakdewadi to Shivajinagar, while meter fare is Rs 30 only. It is a loot.”
When contacted, Deepak Ghode, Divisional Traffic Officer of MSRTC, said, “We have written a letter to the PMPML and within a week, they are expected to provide services for different areas of the city.”
Senior Police Inspector Sangeeta Patil, in-charge of Khadki traffic division, added, “We have held a meeting with autorickshaw union of the city and have instructed them to ply by the meter. The drivers have to be in uniform and they cannot refuse to travel short distances.”
TRAFFIC CHAOS ON THE HIGHWAY
People who daily travelled unhindered on the highway now have to face traffic jam outside the bus stand. As the buses coming from Pune side stop on the highway to take a turn for entering the bus stand, it is leading to a jam on the busy highway. The traffic signal began functioning on Thursday but the volume of traffic is such that commuters have to stand for a long time on the highway especially during peak hours.
Though the new ST stand in Wakdewadi is bigger compared the one which was in Shivajinagar, people still face congestion outside the gates. There are numerous cabs, autorickshaws and other vehicles just outside the gate, creating a chaotic situation.
Mayank Agarwal, a student, said, “I regularly travel from Nigdi to Wadia College in PMPML bus and I was unaware of the relocation of ST stand. Now, I have to leave home early to spend the time in the traffic jam in Wakdewadi.”
MSRTC officer Ghode said, “We have deployed two wardens for controlling traffic jams at the entry and exit gates.”
Police Inspector Patil said that they are implementing some solution based on daily updates of the traffic jams in the last two days.
“Earlier ,the blinker (amber light) was on at the traffic signal, now it is fully operational. A policeman has been appointed to manage the traffic. We have also held meetings with depot officials. We have suggested allowing two-wheeler riders who come to drop passengers, to enter the bus depot. Also, buses coming from Pune side will be made to travel till Central Hatchery Chowk, take right (no U-turn) and go towards Mula Road and come back to the highway before entering the bus depot.”
