No doubt everyone is witnessing the transformation of Nagpur, the second capital of the State. But somehow, the touchstone of development continues to elude the most populous and popular spot, that too in the middle of the city. Yes, Mor Bhavan is still languishing in deep despair and crying for attention of the powers that be. One can currently see pouring of money like water in construction of slew of fly-overs, laying out of cement concrete road in every nook and corner of city. But Mor Bhavan, the depot catering to thousands of travellers, both within city and inter-district within Vidarbha region on daily basis still continue to face numerous challenges.

 

 

 

The depot management is vested with Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) and a part of the land is now leased to Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), which manages some of the city bus services from Mor Bhavan campus. A few months back, NMC on its own relaid the surface, tarring the Mor Bhavan campus to provide respite from potholes. But post start of monsoon, the situation at Mor Bhavan has again worsened. Travellers continue to face situation of lack of sufficient space to sit and wait for their bus service. Potholes can be seen at many places and not to forget water accumulation at low-lying spots at the campus, making Mor Bhavan more of an eyesore. The struggle for travellers start right from the entrance where there is no proper way as one has to continuously avoid getting in way of incoming or outgoing bus service.

 

The seating arrangement is woefully non-existant. The shed overhead is leaking at many places, and in case of rains, the situation becomes pretty bad, said Rupali Dongre, a regular commuter from Mor Bhavan. People have to carefully reach inside the campus or get splashed by passing bus as water remains stagnant all over the depot campus. Another elderly citizen mentioned lack of facilities for senior citizens and the planners have totally forgotten about challenges of Divyang persons at Mor Bhavan. Even the display boards needs retouch or with advent of technology, some what digital touch could be more welcome.

 

One wonders as to why authorities continue to neglect the Mor Bhavan despite its public importance. During monsoon, for travellers its quite tricky. But the prime location ensures that citizens from all four side can access the bus depot for their travel to either Wardha or Chandrapur and Yavatmal in Southern direction or Amravati in Western or to movement within district to Kalmeshwar, Kamptee, Kondhali or to Bhandara in South East direction. The bus shelter, it seems, has not been renovated for ages and a visit to the depot reveals the sorry state of affairs. The leadership of city that is being cited as one of the best in the State, it seems has failed to acknowledge the need for redevelopment of Mor Bhavan site. While the railway stations are getting swanky, the State transport hub continue to remain in times by-gone, as if it does not exist for planners and leaders alike.