Prayagraj: As the second wave of coronavirus continues to spread in the city at an alarming rate, Sangam city is witnessing deserted roads and outstation residents rushing to bus stands to head back to their homes. As more and more people are coming back from different cities of Maharashtra and Gujarat, there is also a mad rush among them to reach their native places through buses, operated by roadways.
Since the last ten days or so, the number of passengers, including both local student and aspirants of different competitive exams and those returning to the city from various cities of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan etc. has increased multi-fold. The chunk of these passengers reach Sangam city through different trains and move towards their natives places in buses being operated by UP state roadways transport corporation (UPSRTC).
Although there has been added load on different bus depot operating buses in different directions in the city, there are only a few who seriously follows the precautions suggested by the government. Most of the passengers can be spotted wearing mask only to cover their chin while few others are without masks. The guard on duty at the bus stand seldom asks them to wear the mask, but there is no one to listen to his valuable advice.
Likewise, the numbers in terms of students and aspirants leaving the city too have increased. Despite the threat of the virus, only around 50 per cent of these passengers can be spotted wearing a mask. As the numbers of
Covid positive patients has increased in the city in the past one week, more and more youngsters, who had come to the city from different neighbouring districts for education are leaving the city.
Likewise, the roads and markets are also witnessing thin attendance as customers are refraining from coming out to buy anything barring the essential commodity.
Considering the seriousness of the situation and the continued duty performed by the staff members of UPSRTC, the regional manager of UPSRTC, TK Bisen inspected different depot of the district and met the staff members. The official interacted with the drivers and conductors, gave patience listening to the problems being faced by them and also cautioned them to follow all the protocols given the rising number of corona cases in the district and neighbouring districts.
“Our staff is under direct contact with the common man and as such, they are vulnerable to getting infected. As such I have told them to wear a mask, carry sanitiser with them and be at a safe distance with the passengers”, said the RM.