Visakhapatnam: A passenger train accident between Kantakapalli and Alamanda in the mainline of the Waltair Division has caused significant disruption to railway services, prompting the cancellation, diversion, and short-termination of multiple trains. The aftermath of this incident has led to an unprecedented demand for bus services in the Vizianagaram-Srikakulam region, leaving commuters searching for alternative transportation options.
On a typical day, the Vizianagaram-Palasa area witnesses the operation of approximately 50-60 buses to cater to the transportation needs of the local population. However, with the sudden cancellation and diversion of trains, an additional 112 buses have been deployed to address the surging demand.
The situation has become so critical that passengers are now resorting to hanging near the doors of buses, as seating occupancy exceeds the buses' capacities.
Rokkum Satish, a professor at a government college near Srikakulam, typically needs to arrive at the college by 10 a.m. His preferred mode of transportation is the train, as it's the most convenient and time-efficient option. However, the recent train cancellations have forced him to resort to using buses. While APSRTC management strives to provide comfort to passengers, these train cancellations have made his journey less convenient, as he generally finds train travel more comfortable.
Gandi Satyanarayana, the deputy divisional traffic control manager (DTCM), expressed his concerns about the growing demand for buses in the region. "The demand is exceptionally high, and it is expected that this rush will persist well till tomorrow morning, on an average of 65 thousand passengers travel per day but now more than 20 thousand commuters have been added," he stated.
Commuters are urged to remain patient and cooperate with transportation authorities as they work diligently to manage the surge in demand for bus services.
