Hubballi: The Hubballi-Dharwad BRTS has partially admitted that its boom barriers meant to prevent unauthorised vehicles, are defunct. It has also acknowledged that street lights are not functioning at some locations. The agency further stated that an estimate has been prepared to install scientific speed humps in place of the existing unscientific ones. The replies were submitted to grievances filed by a Dharwad resident through the Integrated Public Grievance Redressal System (IPGRS).Varun Rao, a frequent commuter of Chigari buses, told TOI in Dharwad that he had filed a grievance in IPGRS in May questioning HD BRTS’ assurance, of repairing street lights of its corridor at Vidyagiri, Gandhinagar, Rayapur, Navalur, SDM College, RTO, Bhairidevarakoppa, etc. made in March. “It had assured me of repairing street lights through the media but there was no action till June 15. Now they have replied that ‘work is going on’ and they have written a letter to HDMC to take up the maintenance of street lights,” he added.Regarding boom barrier, HD BRTS has asserted that barricades are defunct due software upgradation. “They are resumed from June 16 to prevent entry of unauthorised vehicles,” it claimed. Rao argued that it’s not yet done at all stoppages. Responding to a query over unscientific rubber humps at Rayapur, the HD BRTS said, “An estimation is prepared to put scientific humps at 20 places on the corridor and it is sent to directorate of urban land transport (DULT) Bengaluru for approval,” the reply added.HR Vastrad, another frequent traveller in Dharwad, noted that most of street lights are defunct at many places. “Now a days many private vehicles are running in the corridor. BRTS officials often express helpless that unauthorised vehicles break barriers. It shows that there is no mechanism to penalise such vehicles. BRTS should address this illegal entry issue in association with police,” he demanded.Vinayak Baraker, a frequent traveller in Hubballi, noted that most of the barriers and streetlights are abandoned due to various development works. “However, streetlights are off even at KMC, BVB, Unkal and other areas. As a result, bikers and morning walkers are in trouble to move in darkness. BRTS should have comprehensive plan to maintain streetlights,” he pressed.Suresh Horakeri, a civil engineer and civic rights activist, commented that BRTS has lost its shine due to lack of proper maintenance.When contacted, HD BRTS managing director Savitri B Kadi confirmed that boom barriers are repaired except at some places, where other construction works are going on. “Street lights repair works are also on while we are waiting for approval from DULT,” she asserted.
