2 weeks Ago
1 2 The hustle and bustle at Swargate MSRTC depot at 12.30am this Monday belied the late hour. Many passengers were scurrying to catch buses and others were waiting for their journeys to begin.
A staffer in khaki trousers and a white shirt periodically blew on a whistle to regulate the flow of commuters and drivers steering buses. A handful of private security personnel in dark blue uniforms were walking around, although largely concentrated at the far end of the premises. This was the late-night scene a month after the alleged rape of a 26-year-old health counsellor at the depot around 5.
30am on Feb 25. The incident propelled security lacunae at the key transport hub into the limelight. During TOI's site visit on March 24, halogen bulbs brightly lit up almost every corner.
However, one section, where buses were parked, remained in pitch darkness. When asked about it, a security guard claimed the light there had "just gone out", and MSEDCL officials had already been informed. On the platforms attached to bus bays, several people could be seen fast asleep, including homeless individuals and beggars.
A few old buses were parked around, with their windows wide open. Soham More, who had come to drop off his mother, said "I read about the incident. It was shocking.
I cannot accompany my mother this time. Since she is travelling alone, I will not be at peace until the bus departs and she reaches the destination. I also took down the number of a woman copassenger sitting next to my mother, for safekeeping," said the young IT engineer.
Most regular commuters agreed that seeing so much security at the depot was rather uncommon. "I have never heard guards whistling so much here or asking questions when they see loiterers. It is good.
But let's see how long it lasts," said commuter Shubha Mhatre. Empty Mahila Kendra greets women Not a single woman security staffer was spotted at the MSRTC depot during TOI's visit around 12.30am on March 24.
In fact, the women's help desk section was empty, with the door wide open. A commuter commented, "If there's no one at the desk round the clock, what's the point of having it or calling it a women's help desk?" When a nearby security guard was asked about the empty stall, he said, "There is no one there at this time," and walked away. Commuters Say I feel afraid to travel anywhere in the night after repeated crimes in the city.
However, to go to my hometown in Parbhani, an ST bus is the cheapest mode of transport for me. I might feel unsafe, but I cannot afford to go by cab and I don't drive. I have started carrying pepper spray and share my location with my brother every hour.
Staying alert should become a priority now for everyone — Sanika Joshi | Student _______________________ I thought twice before booking a bus and boarding it from Swargate ST depot. When it comes to safety, I think all women must look out for themselves. There may be machinery to lean on, but we also need to ensure that we are extremely careful.
It is easier said than done. But what is the alternative? — Arifa Shaikh | IT Professional Official Says The women's help desk at Swargate MSRTC depot is a 24-hour facility, but we are still in the process of hiring women security staff. We have 28 security personnel at present, four of whom are women.
We need three women security guards at any given point of time to ensure that the whole depot is covered. These guards currently work only till 10pm, but we are in the process of hiring more. We have also asked our central office for 18 more CCTVs in addition to the 24 existing ones.
Lighting at the depot has increased, too. When security personnel notice anything suspicious, they are instructed to call the police — Sachin Shinde | Divisional transport officer, MSRTC Pune Stay updated with the latest city news , Air Quality Index (AQI), and weather updates for major cities like Delhi , Mumbai , Noida , and Bangalore on Times of India ..
