The slogan “ST – Safe Journey” appears to be losing its meaning for the people of Amod taluka. Daily commuters travelling on the Amod–Bharuch route are being forced to risk their lives due to overcrowded state transport buses. Buses arriving packed from Jambusar leave no space for passengers, compelling students, office-goers, women, and senior citizens to travel hanging at the doors for nearly 40 kilometres.
These alarming scenes have sparked strong resentment among local residents. People are questioning whether the authorities are waiting for a major accident or the loss of an innocent life before taking action. Despite the presence of lady conductors, women face pushing and overcrowding, while students travelling for exams or college are forced to stand on footboards, risking serious injury.
Locals allege that despite entrusting power from the panchayat level to the assembly, Amod has received poor infrastructure and unsafe public transport in return. With increasing population and student numbers, the failure to add more buses reflects administrative negligence.
Residents are demanding immediate allocation of additional ST buses on the Amod–Bharuch route, revision of schedules, and proper crowd management. If corrective steps are not taken promptly, the growing anger may soon turn into a major protest. The pressing question remains — will action be taken only after a tragedy occurs?
