Bhiwandi ST Depot Flooded Amid Monsoon

The Bhiwandi State Transport (ST) depot has been inundated with water due to the monsoon rains, causing difficulties for thousands of commuters. The depot's drainage system has been dysfunctional for years, resulting in stagnant water, slush, and garbage.

The state government has floated a tender to demolish and redevelop the 65-year-old dilapidated ST depot building, and a temporary depot is also planned. However, commuters are demanding immediate measures to address the waterlogging issue until the redevelopment work is completed.

The depot has been experiencing severe waterlogging over the past month, with large portions of the premises remaining submerged. Clogged drains and accumulated garbage have further exacerbated the situation, raising concerns over hygiene and a growing mosquito menace.

Passengers, particularly schoolchildren, women, senior citizens, and daily commuters, are facing difficulties while moving through the premises. The situation becomes worse when buses and other vehicles pass through the accumulated water, splashing dirty water onto pedestrians.

According to local residents, the drainage arrangement at the depot has remained disrupted for the past five to six years, resulting in rainwater accumulating within the depot premises. Residents have welcomed the proposed redevelopment of the depot but are urging the ST administration and the civic authorities to put a temporary drainage arrangement in place until the new structure is ready.

The Bhiwandi ST depot is an important public transport hub, with around 80 ST bus trips to Kalyan and nearly 50 trips to Thane operated from the depot every day. The depot has around 66 buses across different categories. Despite its importance, commuters say the deteriorating condition of the depot has become a major inconvenience, particularly during the monsoon.

Passengers have also raised concerns over limited direct bus connectivity between Bhiwandi and Borivali. At present, only one bus is operating on the route, forcing commuters to depend on services via Thane, which increases both travel time and expenses.

The poor condition of the depot has also affected the employees, with drivers and conductors reluctant to stay at the depot during night hours due to the dilapidated structure, poor sanitation, and lack of facilities.

The monsoon has exposed the years-old drainage woes at the Bhiwandi ST depot, highlighting the need for immediate attention to address the concerns of commuters and employees.

The redevelopment of the depot is expected to bring relief to commuters, but until then, temporary measures are necessary to mitigate the suffering of thousands of people who depend on the ST services.

In conclusion, the Bhiwandi ST depot's flooding has become a major issue, affecting thousands of commuters and employees. The state government and civic authorities must take immediate action to address the drainage woes and provide a safe and convenient transportation hub for the people of Bhiwandi.