A recent inspection at a bus depot near Bandra railway station has revealed alarming working conditions for staff employed by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST). The visit by committee member Nitin Nandgaonkar highlighted serious structural issues, including a deteriorating roof and damaged walls that pose safety risks to hundreds of workers.
At the depot, the ceiling is currently supported by a wire mesh installed to prevent loose concrete from falling. Employees working there for long hours reported that chunks of plaster and concrete have already begun to loosen, raising concerns about potential accidents.
“This is beyond shocking. I term it cruelty. About 300 people are working at this depot. These people run Mumbai’s second lifeline, and these are their working conditions. Even the basic maintenance is not being done. I cannot stand this,” Nandgaonkar said.
Staff members said the mesh was installed around five to six months ago after repeated complaints, but only as a temporary fix. They pointed to other issues, including poorly maintained restrooms, damaged storage racks, and an overall lack of upkeep. “The condition of the restroom and the racks kept here are just another example. This is how the BEST administration is treating its own staffers like animals. This looks like some bigger conspiracy. Who will be responsible if anything happens to any staffer? If the issues are not addressed, we will launch a protest to fix this,” he said.
While officials acknowledged complaints about falling concrete near a staircase, they stated that covering the depot with a mesh was a temporary safety measure. Plans are reportedly underway to redevelop ageing depots and improve staff facilities.
Employees, however, continue to express fear and stress, particularly during the monsoon when water seepage worsens the situation. Many say they continue working under unsafe conditions, hoping for urgent and permanent repairs before a serious incident occurs.
Source: Mid-day
