Vijayawada Bus Station Safety Crisis: Two Deaths, Multiple Injuries in Six Months
Vijayawada: The Pandit Nehru Bus Station, commonly known as the Vijayawada main bus station, has become a hazardous zone for passengers, with at least two fatalities and multiple injuries reported over the past six months. These incidents occurred as passengers attempted to board buses or were struck by vehicles within the station premises, highlighting critical safety failures.
Recent Incident Highlights Ongoing Danger
In a recent alarming event, a woman suffered a leg fracture after being hit by an RTC Super Luxury bus while trying to cross the road between the arrival and departure blocks. A video capturing this incident has circulated widely online, drawing public attention to the perilous conditions at the station.
The primary cause of these accidents has been identified as passengers crisscrossing through moving buses in both the arrival and departure areas. Despite the availability of a subway that safely connects these blocks, many passengers opt for the dangerous road crossing, often due to unawareness of the underground passage.
Surge in Passenger Footfall Exacerbates Risks
The bus station has experienced a significant increase in daily passenger traffic, with approximately two lakh commuters using the main station and city bus terminal. This surge is partly attributed to the state government's free bus travel scheme for women in RTC buses, which has led to a rise in female passengers seeking confirmed seats, thereby intensifying congestion.
APSRTC NTR deputy chief traffic manager (DyCTM) Sai Charan Teja explained, "The subway is designed to allow safe movement between blocks without risking lives, but many passengers are unaware of its existence. They use the road because it offers easier access to platforms between the arrival and departure sections."
Current Safety Measures and Proposed Solutions
To manage passenger flow, the RTC has deployed around 25 traffic controllers across the station, with one controller assigned per three platforms. However, officials acknowledge that this is insufficient. Charan stated, "We have submitted a proposal to recruit private security personnel to enhance safety, but it awaits approval. Ideally, we need at least 50 controllers; currently, we only have 25 and have requested an additional 25 private staff."
Passengers have advocated for more robust safety infrastructure, suggesting:
- Construction of a foot overbridge across the road connecting both blocks.
- Restricting access to the dangerous road to prevent crossings.
- Promoting greater awareness and use of the existing subway.
However, enforcing such measures poses challenges, particularly in a high-traffic environment. The ongoing incidents underscore an urgent need for improved safety protocols and infrastructure at one of Andhra Pradesh's busiest transit hubs.
