Dangerous Commute for Students Due to ST Bus Service Closure

Pune: Due to the closure of ST bus services to villages in the eastern part of Ambegaon Taluka, such as Mangrul, Pargav, Bhagdi, and Nagapur, passengers, particularly school and college students, continue to face significant hardships. Students, especially girls, are being forced to travel dangerously to reach their educational institutions.

Several ST buses serving areas like Chandoli, Thorandale, Ranjani, Walti, and Nagapur have been out of service for several days. Currently, only two buses—one at 7 AM to Shingve and another at 9 AM to Pimparkhed—are operational, leaving students stranded for the rest of the day. From 11 AM to 7 PM, students are left waiting at bus stations with no transportation options available. The closure of these bus services has led to severe difficulties for schoolchildren, particularly female students.

To address the issue, students have repeatedly submitted requests to the Manchar ST Depot, demanding the restoration of buses to Bhagdi and Nagapur, but no action has been taken so far. The village panchayats in these areas have also not corresponded with the depot, despite the need for such communication. Local political leaders have yet to take initiative, leaving the issue unresolved.

Challenges for Female Students
Many students from Ranjani, Walti, and Nagapur areas attend college in Manchar. While boys travel by various vehicles, girls are facing severe difficulties. They often have to rely on strangers for rides, traveling on two-wheelers, sometimes in groups, with three people on a bike. This situation is leading to the exploitation of female students and putting them at risk.