CP expresses concern over vagrants at bus shelters
Times of India | 8 March 2025
12 Kolkata: The Commissioner of Police, Manoj Verma, at a recent meeting of the district road safety committee expressed his concern about the rising number of homeless people — and even small businesses — taking over bus shelters across the city. Verma also raised concerns about the flow of passengers from bus stops and Metro stations, asking both Metro authorities and KMC to plan the creation of underpasses and FOBs for this reason.
"At a time when plans are being laid to create state-of-the-art bus stops where bus timings are to be displayed, it is imperative that they serve their primary purpose—to provide shelter to bus passengers. It is also important to maintain the shelters so that no bus stops midway to pick up passengers. Under these circumstances, all the concerned agencies have been requested to look into the matter to ensure no one occupies them in any unauthorised manner," explained a senior cop at Lalbazar.
According to cops, the plan is to relocate the squatters at night shelters. Fourteen years ago, modern bus stops were installed throughout the city to enhance passenger comfort and add aesthetic value to the landscape. However, they have deteriorated due to inadequate upkeep and vandalism, claimed citizens.
"These structures have become unsightly as vandals have stolen the lighting fixtures, metallic seating and advertising banners, whilst squatters have occupied the spaces," said Somnath Basu, a commuter from Behala to Esplanade.