Thampanoor bus terminal unsafe for women even after panel review

Thiruvananthapuram: The directives to ensure the safety of women at Thampanoor bus terminal are yet to be taken up by authorities. The issues that were flagged by women's commission member M S Thara during her recent inspection are yet to be considered by the authorities. As the commission did not follow up on its directives, the station authorities are under no pressure to improve the safety features.

After the inspection, the commission had asked the Kerala Transport Development Finance Corporation to set up more facilities for women at the terminal. None of its directives have been implemented till now.

Problem spots

A visit to the station at night reveals several dark spots. More lights have to be installed to light up the terminal. The commission had also sought the presence of female cops at the police aid post. Moreover, there is no clean washroom for women. A rest room was also sought for KSRTC female employees. In order to ensure the safety of women, the commission had pointed out the urgent building of an alternate entry to washroom as currently both men and women use the same corridor to reach the facility.

The commission, in its letter to authorities concerned, had also sought the removal of beggars from the terminal.

Not a single issue has been taken up so far, with no decision in respect to the washroom too. New offices are getting opened in the terminal where women could be working. There are no basic facilities for them at present. The commission too hasn't bothered to check if its directives have been implemented or not.