Shantinagara Airport Bus Lounge in Poor State, Passengers Raise Safety and Maintenance Concerns

The air-conditioned airport bus lounge at the Shantinagara Traffic and Transit Management Centre (TTMC) is reportedly in a state of neglect, with passengers raising concerns about safety and upkeep. During a recent inspection by a reporter, the lounge was found with its lights switched off, while the waiting area and washrooms showed visible signs of poor maintenance, including peeling paint and damp stains on the walls.

The facility is designated as a premium waiting space for commuters using the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation's (BMTC) Vayu Vajra airport bus services. However, its current condition has left many passengers disappointed. One commuter, Lavanya B.S., said the state of the facility discouraged its use. “The lounge didn’t feel safe or well-maintained. As a woman, I wouldn’t feel comfortable waiting there alone and would rather wait outside than use the facility,” she said.

Another passenger, Anil Kumar, who was travelling to Delhi, arrived at the Shantinagara TTMC to board a Vayu Vajra bus to Kempegowda International Airport. He reported finding the washroom locked and the overall facility in a poor condition. “My bus was due to arrive in about 15 minutes, so I thought I would use the washroom before boarding. But when I entered the lounge, I found the toilet locked, and the entire place was in a terrible condition. It was disgusting. I had no choice but to leave without using the washroom,” he recounted.

Mr. Kumar also questioned the quality of the facility in light of the premium fares charged for airport travel. “If this is how BMTC maintains a premium airport bus lounge, why are passengers charged so much for airport travel? The condition of the lounge is unacceptable and leaves a very poor impression,” he added.

In contrast, the air-conditioned airport bus lounge at the Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic) appeared to be in relatively better condition. Although the air-conditioning system was not functioning during the visit, making the lounge warm, the waiting area and washrooms seemed to be cleaned and maintained on a regular basis, allowing passengers to use the facility comfortably.

The differing states of the two lounges have raised questions about the consistency of maintenance standards across BMTC's passenger facilities, especially at major transit hubs serving airport commuters. Responding to these concerns, BMTC official sources acknowledged the condition of the Shantinagara lounge but stated that the issue was specific to that location and not reflective of the corporation's overall maintenance practices.

“The deteriorating condition stemmed from inadequate upkeep by the Shantinagara TTMC manager rather than any difference in BMTC’s maintenance policy. Maintenance priorities remain uniform across all BMTC terminals,” an official said.

The situation highlights the need for consistent upkeep of public amenities, particularly those meant to serve air travellers. Passengers and civic observers have urged the authorities to ensure that all airport bus lounges meet acceptable standards of cleanliness and safety.