Manikonda commuters struggle after bus shelters removed
HYDERABAD: Commuters on the Marrichettu to Shivalayam stretch in Manikonda now endure severe heat after authorities removed three key bus shelters during a recent anti-encroachment drive. The initiative targeted street vendors, but private businesses have reportedly taken over the cleared areas, leaving many daily wage earners without shelter.
Amid growing frustration, In a formal complaint to the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) and the Cyberabad Municipal Corporation, The Citizens Council alleged that authorities dismantled the shelters near the ICICI Bank junction and repurposed the space for commercial and construction activities.
“The removal of encroachments is welcome, but replacing public amenities with commercial space is unacceptable,” said Sitaram Dhulipala, Founding Chairman of The Citizens Council (@THECCCYBERBAD). He further added “Transparency is needed. The public has a right to know why their shelters were permanently removed while others were allowed to stay.”
మణికొండలో మర్రిచెట్టు నుండి శివాలయం వరకు బస్ షెల్టర్ల కొరత తీవ్రమైన ప్రజా సమస్యగా మారింది. రోజుకు సుమారు 120 టీజీ ఆర్టీసీ బస్సులను ప్రధానంగా పేద మరియు మధ్యతరగతి ప్రజలు వినియోగిస్తున్నప్పటికీ, ఇటీవల ఉన్న బస్ షెల్టర్లను తొలగించడం వల్ల ప్రయాణికులు ఎండలో తీవ్ర ఇబ్బందులు పడుతున్నారు.…
— Sitaram Dhulipala (@SitaramDhulipa1) April 30, 2026
The lack of basic amenities has wider implications for the daily commute. Around 120 TGSRTC buses serve Manikonda daily and transport thousands of passengers, many from economically weaker sections. As temperatures rise, commuters must wait in direct sunlight near Marrichettu. The absence of designated bus bays has also increased traffic congestion and safety risks.
Seeking immediate solutions, the council has submitted an urgent request: the Cyberabad Municipal Corporation should immediately reconstruct the bus shelters at their original locations. If the municipal body does not act, TGSRTC should establish proper shelters along the stretch.
The appeal includes pointed criticism of planning lapses. The representation specifically addresses the Deputy Commissioner of Narsingi Circle (45) and the Zonal Commissioner of Serilingampally and cites the lack of replacement planning during the removal process.
Advocates emphasize the link between infrastructure and public well-being. “Public transport is meaningless without basic amenities like shade and a safe place to wait. Denying this infrastructure defeats the very goal of inclusive mobility,”Dhulipala added.
With peak summer approaching, commuters and activists warn that inaction will continue to inconvenience the public and may force pedestrians onto unsafe roads. This will increase the risk of accidents.
