KOCHI: The lukewarm response by the authorities concerned has left the commuters who depend on the KSRTC bus stand at Ernakulam boat jetty, in a lurch. Built almost eight years ago and situated in the heart of the city, this KSRTC bus terminal lacks even the basic facilities. The KSRTC officials said that inspite of approaching the Kochi Corporation authorities several times they have not got a favourable response.“We have brought this issue before the Corporation authorities but so far they have not granted the permission,” said Satheesh Kumar, Assistant Transport Officer (ATO). He said that the KSRTC is all prepared to start the work and is waiting only for the permission.V V Roy, station master, said that the hardships of passengers are increasing day-by-day. “There are thousands of people who use this bus terminal every day and the unavailability of basic amenities like toilets and waiting sheds has been causing a lot of trouble for the passengers,” he said. Apart from that, the KSRTC officials also said that not only the passengers but the KSRTC staff is also sailing in the same boat. “Our working hours from 6 am to 10 pm are too hectic. We are literally struggling as we do not have toilet facilities to relieve ourselves,” he said. When asked K J Sohan, chairman, Town Planning Standing Committee said, “We cannot grant permission as the tourism department that built this terminal does not have its property rights. “We will sanction it only once they produce it,” he said.Also, the tarring on the roads is completely damaged and has been giving nightmares to the bus drivers. It has also been inflicting damages to the tyres and other body parts of the buses. Regarding this, the drivers have given a petition to the ATO and has finally reached the chief officer at Thiruvananthapuram. “We are awaiting their response,” said ATO.
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