Nagpur, Oct 16
Metro rail service has started in the city after MSRTC and private travel buses but the wait is going on for city bus service (Aapli bus). The citizens are waiting every day for the auspicious moment for the restoration of Aapli bus service. But the time is yet to come due to lackluster attitude of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) administration and ruling party. The transport committee has passed a proposal to start city bus service with 50 per cent capacity about two weeks ago but that has not been implemented yet. When the bus service will start, no one is ready to speak.
It may be mentioned here that bus service in the city has been stopped since March 23 due to Covid pandemic. With the mission begin again, city bus has been restored in many cities of the state, but the decision has not yet been made in Nagpur. The administration fears that if the city bus is introduced, the infection may increase. But MSRTC has started operating the buses at full capacity with guidelines. Due to this, the infection is not increasing. Presently school, colleges and educational institutions are closed. In this case, half the passengers will be reduced automatically. Still the administration is not taking the decision.
Sources said that NMc administration is not taking any decision due to the fear of second wave of Covid pandemic. The second reason is the lackluster attitude of the ruling party that playing a big role to decide the fate of the city bus service.
People facing hardship
It is not possible to follow the safe distance rule while travelling by auto, cab and other means of transport. Still, due to lack of bus service, people are forced to travel in them. The chances of infection are increasing while safe distance rule can be followed in the bus.