Ludhiana Smart City Bus Stops in Disrepair Highlight Infrastructure Neglect
Ludhiana, a city that has been designated a “Smart City,” is grappling with a glaring infrastructure issue that belies its modern aspirations. Local bus stops, especially those on Gill Road, are in a state of disrepair and neglect. Despite the city’s Smart City status, which is supposed to usher in modern urban infrastructure, these bus stops continue to be in poor condition, raising concerns about the city’s commitment to maintaining essential public amenities.
Maninder Pal Singh, a concerned city resident and advocate, has brought this issue to the forefront through a complaint submitted to the Punjab Special Secretary. His complaint highlights the appalling state of the bus stops, which are not only poorly maintained but are also being used to display state government advertisements. Singh points out that while these advertisements are prominently displayed on top of the shelters, no efforts are being made to address the deteriorating conditions of the bus stops themselves.
The bus stops in question are widely used by local commuters, many of whom are left standing due to broken seats and inadequate shelter. The situation is particularly difficult for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children, who face discomfort while waiting for buses in unhygienic and unclean surroundings. Moreover, much of the space at these bus stops has been overtaken by unauthorised street vendors, further exacerbating the issue. This neglect is seen as deeply troubling, particularly when juxtaposed with the significant efforts and resources being directed towards other aspects of urban development, such as advertising. Singh’s complaint stresses that the focus should shift towards addressing the basic needs of commuters and maintaining essential public infrastructure, such as bus stops, which form a vital part of the urban transport system.
The bus stops were originally constructed with the idea of expanding the city’s bus service and providing residents with a safe, clean, and functional place to wait for public transport. However, the expansion of the city bus service has not been realised as expected, and the bus stops have instead become little more than billboard spaces for advertising. This situation reflects a misallocation of resources, as public infrastructure that was meant to benefit the community is left to deteriorate, while advertising revenue is prioritised. The complaint lodged by Singh calls for urgent repairs and upgrades to these bus stops, highlighting the need for proper seating, cleanliness, and regulation of space to prevent encroachment by street vendors. Singh emphasises that these repairs should be carried out as a priority, ensuring that the city’s public transportation infrastructure aligns with the “Smart City” vision of modern, well-maintained urban spaces.
Ludhiana’s Smart City status should ideally mean that the city is improving its infrastructure and providing modern amenities that cater to its residents. However, this issue of neglected bus stops reveals a disconnect between the intended goals of the Smart City project and the reality on the ground. Public spaces like bus stops are integral to the city’s infrastructure and are critical to ensuring that citizens have access to reliable and comfortable public transport. This situation raises an important question: can a city truly be considered “smart” if it neglects its basic infrastructure? The poor condition of Ludhiana’s bus stops serves as a reminder that while ambitious urban development projects are important, maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure should always be a priority. Smart cities should focus not just on new developments, but also on ensuring that essential public services like transport are efficient, accessible, and well-maintained for all residents.
Singh’s complaint and the public outcry surrounding the state of Ludhiana’s bus stops should serve as a catalyst for action. The local authorities need to take immediate steps to repair these bus stops and ensure they meet basic standards of hygiene, comfort, and functionality. Only then can Ludhiana truly live up to its “Smart City” label, with infrastructure that serves the needs of all its residents, not just a select few. While the promotion of Ludhiana as a Smart City is a positive step, it must be backed by tangible improvements to public infrastructure. The neglected bus stops are a stark reminder that without attention to the basics, even the most ambitious urban projects can fail to meet the needs of the people they are meant to serve. It is time for the authorities to prioritise the repair and upgrade of these bus stops, ensuring they become part of a truly smart and efficient urban transport system.
