Chennai: Commuters waiting at the Lighthouse bus stop, opposite D5 Marina Police Station, are forced to stand in a dilapidated shelter with a rusted, leaky roof and seating for barely six people, even as the city debates AC bus shelters and monsoon upgrades ahead of the northeast monsoon.At the Lighthouse bus stop, the shelter’s sheet roof has several rusted portions with visible gaps, and its open sides leave passengers exposed to heat and rain. Vendors selling anklets and bracelets occupy part of the space, while some people sleep on the shed floor at other times of the day, commuters said.Passengers said they want a shelter with basic amenities that is comfortable, safe and free from encroachments. S Saranya, who regularly takes the 109 bus to Kovalam, said, “There is no proper place to sit. Even elderly persons are forced to stand.”Buses, including deluxe and AC services, arrive at this stop about every five minutes. The stop serves regular commuters and visitors heading to Marina Beach. Several MTC routes, including 21G from Tambaram to Broadway via Lighthouse, 27D (Foreshore Estate–Villivakkam), 12G (KK Nagar–Lighthouse) and 45B (Anna Square–Guindy), connect Pattinampakkam with different parts of the city. “We need a sturdy shelter. This bus shelter will not help during rains,” A Lazar, a commuter, said, pointing to the gaps in the roof. Another bus shelter on Loop Road near the modern fish market is also in a similar state, he said.Despite repeated attempts by TOI, GCC officials could not be reached for comment.
