Dismal state of public transport in Chandigarh

Copy of a letter emailed to CTU

Dear Sir,

I am a veteran journalist and Editor-in-Chief of North India Kaleidoscope (www.northindiakaleidoscope.com). I am accredited with UT Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana as a journalist.

I live in New Light Society Sector 51 B which is located at the fag end of the Sector adjacent to Jail Road roundabout.

I normally travel by Ola, Uber or Jugnoo as my personal driver is on leave.  I had gone to Haryana MLA Hostel in Sector 3 to cover a press conference. I decided not to hire a cab but travel by CTU bus. I walked down to the Punjab Police Headquarters in Sector 9 in spite of the heat. There was no formal bus stop there. I stood where others were standing I boarded a green bus for Sector 43. I had to stand initially due to the rush but got a seat at ISBT 17. I fell sick and felt uneasiness as I have a heart problem. I got down at ISBT 43 and boarded a red AC bus Route No 38 going to Airport. The number was 7117.

I requested the driver to drop me near the water cooler outside my Society, located at quite a distance from the lone bus stop in Sector 51 as a special case as I was not feeling well and it would be difficult for me to walk from the bus stop to New Light Society because of the intense heat.

I am sorry to say that he was very rude and said he would not stop the bus and I should get down.I almost fainted on the roadside and one good Samaritan came and gave me water.

This is how the CTU drivers misbehave with passengers especially one who is getting on in age. This was just a request on humanitarian grounds. I have seen many CTU buses stopping near our society gate and passengers get down. Also, the staff fill water from the water cooler installed outside. I have been informed by old-timers that there used to be a CTU signboard a few years ago on both sides of the road but was removed due to the laying of underground pipes.

I would like to request CTU to kindly designate a stop near New Light Society (Aryan Enclave) on both sides of the road to facilitate residents and other passengers who cannot walk to the bus stops located at a considerable distance.

Sincerely,

Rajesh Ahuja

Editor-in-Chief

North India Kaleidoscope

www.northindiakaleidoscope.com