Ahmedabad: The Gujarat ST Passenger Welfare Committee has raised serious concerns over the operation of dilapidated state transport (ST) buses during the monsoon, warning that such negligence poses grave risks to passengers.

In a press release, the committee stated that over 29 lakh passengers travel daily in more than 8,550 ST buses across the state. “With monsoon rains lashing regions like Amreli and Bhavnagar, it is shocking that poorly maintained, rickety buses are still being run by the GSRTC administration,” the committee said, condemning the lapse in safety measures.

As an example, the committee highlighted a recent case involving bus GJ-18Z 6601 on the Jamnagar–Rajkot route, which departed Rajkot at 3:30 pm without a working wiper or rear-view mirror. These basic safety deficiencies, especially in rainy conditions, endanger both passengers and drivers. Committee member Gajendrasinh Zala raised the matter with the Jamnagar depot manager, who allegedly dismissed the issue, stating that such faults do not count as negligence, a response the committee strongly rejected.

The committee also criticised the recent 35% fare hike, stating that despite increased ticket prices, passengers are still forced to travel in unsafe conditions. DeshGujarat