Swargate bus depot in Pune to improve safety measures

Starting in April, the Swargate bus depot in Pune will have separate entry points for commuters and buses. This change aims to improve safety and reduce chaos at the depot. The decision follows a recent case of rape involving a health counsellor aboard a bus parked overnight. Currently, there are two main gates, but both are used by buses and passengers, causing confusion. Pramod Nehul, MSRTC's divisional controller in Pune, said this new system will help manage the flow of vehicles better. They also plan to clear a partially blocked gate to allow for separate access for commuters. Raman Pandey, a frequent traveler, said the depot requires a proper traffic management system. He expressed surprise that these changes are only happening now and noted that similar systems exist in other bus depots across the country. In addition to separate gates, two pre-paid autorickshaw booths will be set up at the depot to improve passenger safety. No auto driver can enter the depot without passengers, and there will be increased monitoring. Nehul mentioned a plan to enhance CCTV coverage with an additional 220 cameras in Pune's bus stations in the coming months. In response to the rape case, MSRTC transferred four officials from the Pune division. Arun Siya, previously the divisional controller of Nashik, will take over as the new divisional controller in Pune. Sources indicate that these transfers are linked to the ongoing investigation.