The European-styled waiting shelters that replaced conventional ones along many of the renovated urban roads have failed to attract commuters. Senior citizens and the differently-abled persons have complained that the new construction that uses limited space offers no shelter for the commuters from rain and sunlight.
“Steel rods are used for seating, which is not comfortable for elderly citizens. For the differently-abled, there is no scope at all for a comfortable seating,” says Sasidharan, a senior citizen from Eranhipalam, citing the case of shelters constructed along the Karaparamba-Eranhipalam stretch.
No change in style
Though the associations for the welfare of differently-abled and senior citizens have raised the issue at various forums, there has been no change in the style of construction in the case of newer shelters.
They complain that the suggestions remain ignored at a time when the district administration is eagerly striving to make the city differently-abled friendly.
For ordinary commuters too, the crammed space at the transit shelters have been a cause of worry. Many of them point out that the space crunch at the shelter is severe during the school season. They say that smaller transit shelters will serve the purpose only in less crowded areas and the Public Works Department is expected to consider bigger ones in areas where the number of commuters is comparatively high.
V.P. Sudheer, a resident of Elathur, says the waiting shelter constructed at Puthiyangadi should be taken as a model while considering the newer transit shelters. “The space is comfortable and it stands out with an attractive design. Though such space may not be available for shelters in other locations, the space could at least be designed in such a way as to offer protection from rain and sunlight,” he adds.
Minimal facilities
Meanwhile, PWD sources say the new design has been chosen for most locations as it could largely prevent attempts vandalism. They add that people spend only a minimal amount of time at transit points and minimal facilities are better for preventing instances of vandalism.
The pending renovation work at some of the damaged waiting shelters is also troubling commuters. Though there were Wi-Fi and FM radio services at the opening of 12 such shelters, the facilities were vandalised. The damaged steel chairs and aluminium panels of the roofs are yet to be replaced in several such locations.
