Beware, bus shelter at Panchayatpadi in Malappuram is on verge of collapse

Thiruvali: PWD’s old Panchayatpadi bus shelter on the side of the busy Vandoor – Karakunnu road is almost on the verge of dilapidation. A pillar in the front of the shelter was destroyed when a vehicle rammed into the structure around three years ago.

The roof is supported by the remaining two pillars. The stone structure is almost decayed as moss and vines grow on the walls. The local residents had raised the issue of the bus shelter in Malayala Manorama’s ‘Hello Reporter’ telephone-in program.

Commuters going to Thiruvali Homeopathic Hospital, as well as to old Panchayathupadi and Chathakadu area use this bus shelter. Passengers, including women and children, get into the shelter without realising the danger. Meanwhile, people in the locality say that the authorities refuse to take any action despite their pleas to dismantle the precarious shelter. They wonder whether the authorities would react only if a mishap occurs.

PWD NOC department head MP Vinod said that he had visited the spot as per the panchayat’s request and had given approval for dismantling the structure. Both the public and the authorities are sure that the old bus shelter that poses a threat to the safety of the people should be dismantled as soon as possible.

However, no one knows when exactly that will happen. Things are getting delayed inexplicably when the structure could be removed within hours using an earthmover. Meanwhile, the people have been urging to open a Take a Break facility with toilets and a snack bar in the area.