Mandi administration’s new bus stop arrangements cause inconvenience, villagers threaten protests
The founder of the Panna Lal Raksha Memorial Charitable Trust has expressed concerns over the recent changes made by the Mandi administration regarding bus stops on routes from Kotli and Rewalsar.
In a statement issued by the trust, the founder highlighted the inconvenience caused to local commuters due to the absence of a bus stop at Sakodi Bridge, which had served the area for years.
Bus Stop at Sakodi Bridge overlooked
The statement revealed that on October 14, through newspaper reports, the trust came to know about the administration’s decision to designate new bus stops for the routes mentioned. Previously, villagers had raised objections to these changes and even met with authorities to request the restoration of the Sakodi Bridge stop.
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Despite these efforts, the administration has not reinstated the stop, which had been in place for years and featured a small rain shelter for passengers, now illegally occupied.
New arrangements called ‘inconvenient’
The trust’s executive committee has unanimously rejected the new arrangements, calling them highly inconvenient for passengers. It was noted that after passing the District Hospital, buses only stop at the Seri stage, forcing passengers headed to key offices—such as the Deputy Director of Education, the District Food and Supplies Controller, and the PWD Chief Engineer’s offices—to either walk or find alternate transport. This adds unnecessary hardship for passengers.
Concerns over Cinema Hall stop
The committee also expressed concerns about the administration’s decision to establish a bus stop near the cinema hall. According to the statement, the location is already overcrowded due to a private hospital in the vicinity, and the road layout, with its slopes, only allows space for one bus at a time. In contrast, the area near Sakodi Bridge offers ample space for a well-organized stop without causing traffic issues.
The trust has made a strong appeal to the administration to reconsider its decision, citing the significant inconvenience caused to villagers, particularly those who rely on bus services. Should the administration fail to address these concerns, the villagers are prepared to resume protests, including roadblocks, demonstrations, and hunger strikes, with full responsibility for any disruption placed on the district administration.
