Salem’s Bharat Ratna Dr MGR Central Bus Stand, a vital artery serving 75,000 commuters on weekdays and over one lakh during weekends, has spiraled into a state of shocking disrepair despite minor cosmetic upgrades completed just last year. What should be a functional transit gateway has instead become a breeding ground for frustration and health hazards, with broken infrastructure and abysmal upkeep undermining the dignity of every traveler passing through its chaotic corridors.

Of the ten public restrooms, six stay permanently locked due to shattered doors, non-functional flush systems, missing taps, and thick layers of accumulated filth that make entry unthinkable. Even the designated toilets for differently-abled passengers remain out of order, reflecting a complete disregard for accessibility. Drinking water pipelines, meant to offer relief, either sputter weakly or remain bone-dry for hours, compelling passengers—many on long journeys—to purchase overpriced bottled water from nearby vendors.

Frequent commuter M Praveena, who travels regularly from Tiruchy to Salem, shared her ordeal: “The stench from the toilets is unbearable and spreads far beyond the area. Even when they clean occasionally, the filth returns within a day. I’m genuinely scared of catching infections.” Her concerns are echoed by thousands who navigate the facility daily. Meanwhile, attendants exploit the situation by charging Rs 5 to Rs 10 per use—far above the official Rs 2 fee—turning a basic need into a profiteering racket.

Also Read: TNSTC Bus Collides with Water Tanker on Thoothukudi-Madurai Highway, 2 Killed

The misery extends beyond sanitation into operational anarchy: buses honk incessantly while jockeying for space in cramped bays, forcing passengers to weave through narrow, debris-strewn gaps just to board. Ceiling leaks drip persistently onto waiting areas, creating slippery hazards, while garbage piles up in corners and overflowing bins attract rodents and insects. A tea stall owner inside the terminal lamented, “This mess hurts everyone—passengers avoid the place, and our sales drop. If it were clean and organized, business would thrive.”

Despite repeated assurances from Salem City Municipal Corporation officials that complaints are monitored and cleaning staff deployed regularly, little has changed on the ground. A senior civic officer acknowledged ongoing issues with overcharging and promised corrective measures, but broken fixtures, stagnant water pools, foul odors, and unchecked litter continue to dominate. For the lakhs who depend on this hub, these hollow promises offer no respite—only a stark reminder that superficial repairs and bureaucratic inaction cannot mask systemic neglect.

Also Read: Indian Army Soldier Killed on Train After Dispute Over Blanket, NHRC Seeks Accountability