Nayana J C

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, May 22: Hundreds of commuters using the busy roadside bus pickup point near Kankanady are facing daily hardship due to the absence of a proper bus shelter, forcing schoolchildren, college students, senior citizens, and working people to wait under the scorching sun and heavy rain without even basic seating facilities.

According to local residents and shopkeepers in the area, more than 100 people gather at the spot every day to board buses. Despite the large number of daily commuters, the area still lacks a proper bus stop or waiting shelter, causing growing inconvenience and concern among the public.

With the summer heat intensifying and monsoon showers already beginning in the city, commuters say the situation has become increasingly difficult, especially for elderly passengers and students who are forced to stand on the roadside for long periods.

In a heartwarming gesture, people from a nearby flower shop have arranged wooden planks and stones beside the road so that passengers can at least sit while waiting for buses. Locals say this temporary arrangement was made purely out of concern after witnessing the struggles faced by daily commuters.

“We come here every day, and there is no proper place to sit or stand during rain or harsh sunlight. It becomes very difficult, especially for old people and children,” said one of the commuters waiting at the spot.

Nearby shopkeepers also expressed disappointment over the condition and urged the authorities to take immediate action.

"For many years, this issue has continued. Every day, we see so many people waiting here helplessly. If a permanent bus shelter cannot be constructed immediately, at least a temporary bus stop should be arranged for the public,” a local shopkeeper said.

Several other commuters echoed similar concerns and stated that the lack of even basic public infrastructure in such a busy area reflects negligence towards common citizens.

Residents are now urging the Mangaluru City Corporation and local public representatives to intervene immediately and provide at least a basic bus shelter facility before the monsoon intensifies further.

For hundreds who wait there every single day, a simple roof and a bench are no longer a luxury but a necessity.