Photos: The perils of waiting for a ride at Gurugram ISBT

Almost four years ago, in September 2015, Gurugram’s only interstate bus terminal was declared unsafe by the PWD. Around 50,000 to 60,000 people make intracity, interdistrict and interstate journeys from here every day. Despite being a major transport hub, the terminal had received only ₹1,16,152 for structural repair last year. HT’s Yogendra Kumar captures its continuing problems.

Updated on: Jul 15, 2019 10:04 AM IST

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Established in 1959, the bus stand comprises three structures – an administrative block, a bus terminal and a workshop for maintaining vehicles – all of which were declared unsafe after the safety assessment in 2015. The bus terminal, pictured here, is where passengers are most exposed to the risks. (Yogendra Kumar / HT Photo)

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Rain brings life at the bus stand to a standstill. The movement of traffic in and out of the depot slows down due to massive waterlogging, forcing passengers to take refuge under a thick, concrete parapet that is crumbling, with the cement having given way and revealed the rusted iron framework inside. (Yogendra Kumar / HT Photo)

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The bus stand’s administrative block, part of the unsafe structure, was vacated and sealed with a wire mesh in 2016. The staff now operated from what was supposed to be the residential quarters, situated a short distance away. (Yogendra Kumar / HT Photo)

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However, what remains inside the administrative block to this day is the police station. Officials are aware that the roof over their heads is unsafe and seem to have accepted their fates. “What else can we do?” a constable said resignedly. (Yogendra Kumar / HT Photo)

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A man speaks on the phone at the inter-state bus terminal. The front facade of the bus stand is lined with empty rooms which once served as counters for booking tickets and making inquiries. These were vacated soon after the PWD survey, due to the risks posed. (Yogendra Kumar / HT Photo)

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Women commuters wait near buses. The lack of upkeep is visible, but the aforementioned rooms have been taken over by passengers who bode their time in groups, ignoring the barricades, for the sake of a quiet spot to converse with their friends. (Yogendra Kumar / HT Photo)

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The bus terminal also serves as a refuge for vagrants and travellers at night, who obliviously sleep under the crumbling parapet. One bus stand staffer said the overnight crowd gets thicker during the winters. This puts those sleeping at the terminal at risk. (Yogendra Kumar / HT Photo)