Kottayam: Waiting for a bus at Logos Junction in Kottayam has turned into a risky balancing act, as commuters are left with only metal tube pipes to sit on due to the absence of proper seating.

The current bus shelter offers nothing more than rounded metal pipes, which are unstable and force commuters to balance uncomfortably. With no handles or support, the setup becomes especially unsafe. The situation worsened after anti-social elements reportedly stole the original iron benches. A recent incident in which a person fell from the pipe has underscored the danger.

The stop is used daily by a large number of passengers—including students and travellers arriving from the Kottayam railway station—making the lack of safe seating a significant public concern. Commuters are now demanding that the hazardous makeshift arrangement be replaced with proper benches.

No funds, no fix
According to Public Works Department (PWD) officials, while bus shelters are built as part of major road projects, the responsibility for maintaining the one at Logos Junction lies with the local body. However, the Kottayam Municipality says it has been unable to renovate the shelter due to a shortage of funds.

PWD officials also noted that the current tube-pipe seating was installed after some individuals repeatedly misused metal benches for sleeping. But this stopgap measure has created a dangerous situation for daily commuters, who continue to wait for a safer alternative.