Security Lapses Exposed in 42 ST Bus Stands Across Pune Division

Pune, 6th March 2025: A security audit of 42 Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus stations in Pune division has revealed serious security lapses, raising concerns over passenger safety. The audit found insufficient security guards, non-functional CCTV cameras, poor lighting, and inadequate boundary walls, highlighting major gaps in the security system. While authorities have been directed to implement immediate improvements, citizens remain doubtful about how effectively these measures will be enforced.

Women’s Safety Back in Focus
The Swargate bus station incident has once again brought women’s safety to the forefront. In response, the Transport Minister had ordered a statewide security audit of bus stations. The audit covered 42 bus stations under 14 depots in Pune division, underscoring the urgent need for secure and well-equipped facilities, particularly for women commuters.

Audit Highlights Four Major Security Concerns
The security audit identified four key issues that need urgent attention:
Security Guards: Though security personnel were listed on paper, many were absent from duty at several stations.

CCTV Surveillance: Some stations had non-functional cameras, while others had poor-quality footage. Many locations had no CCTV coverage at all.

Inadequate Lighting: Poor illumination at night poses a serious safety risk for passengers.

Lack of Security Walls: Several stations lack boundary walls or fencing, making them vulnerable to unauthorized access and safety threats.

No Significant Improvement Despite Previous Inspections
The Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Clean and Beautiful Bus Stations Campaign had earlier assessed bus stations for cleanliness and infrastructure. However, except for a few stations in Shivajinagar, Narayangaon, and Saswad, most stations in Pune division failed quality inspections. Swargate bus station received the lowest rating, yet no substantial improvements have been made in the past ten months. This has raised serious concerns about the efficiency of the ST administration.

Will the Report Lead to Real Action?
Although the security audit report has been submitted to the state transport headquarters, passengers remain skeptical about whether any meaningful action will follow. The common sentiment is that the administration only reacts after an incident, rather than proactively implementing safety measures.

There is a growing demand for immediate safety measures, including:
Night patrolling at major bus stations
Emergency help desks for passengers
Hiring more security personnel
Upgrading and installing CCTV cameras

However, with continued administrative delays, the big question remains: Will these improvements be implemented, or will they remain just another report on paper?