Assam: Tezpur University bus safety concerns spark alarm; students face crowding, stranding, and crime risk

Tezpur: A faculty member at Tezpur University has raised serious concerns about the safety and adequacy of the bus service provided to students traveling between the campus and the town market.

The faculty member, who wishes to remain anonymous, cited overcrowding, unreliable stopping practices, and exposure to crime-ridden areas as major issues putting students at risk.

Limited Buses, Overcrowding, and Stranded Students:

The ASTC-operated bus service struggles to meet the demands of the growing student population, leading to frequent overcrowding, particularly on the 8 PM return bus.

Buses often bypass designated stops, leaving students stranded in potentially dangerous areas, especially Porua, near the outskirts known for criminal activity. The university's directive against overcrowding, with potential penalties for students, is seen as insensitive and discourages necessary travel.

Unsafe Surroundings and Lack of Security:

The route between the campus and town traverses areas notorious for snatching, molestation, and even stabbing, posing a significant threat to students, particularly those stranded after 8 PM. The university's security team has been criticized for failing to respond adequately to student calls for help in such situations. Reliance on unsafe alternative transportation like autos and rickshaws, also operated by individuals from the crime-ridden area, further increases the risks faced by students.

University's Response Questioned:

The university's directive blaming students for overcrowding and threatening penalties is seen as victim-blaming and illogical. The lack of action against drivers who refuse to pick up students, even when buses are not full, further exacerbates the problem. The university's construction of new hostels, while addressing accommodation needs, does not address the immediate transportation and safety concerns.

Urgent Action Needed:

Tezpur University must prioritize the safety and well-being of its students by taking immediate steps to:

Urgent Action Needed:

• Tezpur University must prioritize the safety and well-being of its students by taking immediate steps to:
• Increase bus frequency and capacity: Address the overcrowding issue by adding more buses and increasing their capacity to accommodate the growing student population.
• Ensure designated stops are serviced: Prevent students from being stranded in unsafe areas by ensuring all designated bus stops are serviced reliably.
• Improve safety in surrounding areas: Collaborate with local authorities to improve lighting, patrolling, and overall safety measures in the areas surrounding the bus route.
• Enhance security team responsiveness: Ensure the security team is adequately trained and equipped to respond promptly and effectively to student calls for assistance.
• Revise overcrowding directive: Focus on solutions like increasing bus capacity rather than penalizing students for a problem caused by insufficient resources.