Bhiwandi, August 24, 2026: The Bhiwandi State Transport (ST) depot has turned into a virtual pool amid incessant rainfall, leaving thousands of commuters struggling to navigate through stagnant water, slush and garbage. With the depot’s drainage system remaining dysfunctional, passengers are being forced to wade through dirty water to reach buses.
The state government has already floated a tender to demolish and redevelop the nearly 65-year-old dilapidated ST depot building, while a temporary depot is also planned. However, commuters say immediate measures are needed to address the waterlogging until the redevelopment work is completed.
The depot has been witnessing severe waterlogging amid rainfall over the past month. With rainwater failing to drain out, large portions of the premises remain submerged. Clogged drains and accumulated garbage have further aggravated the situation, raising concerns over hygiene and a growing mosquito menace.
Passengers, particularly schoolchildren, women, senior citizens and daily commuters, are facing difficulties while moving through the premises. The situation becomes worse when buses and other vehicles pass through the accumulated water, splashing dirty water onto pedestrians.
Drainage System Has Remained Disrupted For Years
According to local residents, rainwater from different sections of the depot was earlier channelled into the Bhiwandi civic body’s drainage network. However, the drainage arrangement has reportedly remained disrupted for the past five to six years, resulting in rainwater accumulating within the depot premises.
Residents said the proposed redevelopment of the depot is welcome, but the ST administration and the civic authorities must put a temporary drainage arrangement in place until the new structure is ready.
Thousands Depend On ST Services
Despite the availability of city bus services, a large number of residents continue to depend on ST buses to travel between Bhiwandi, Kalyan, Thane and surrounding areas. Since city buses do not cover every part of the city, the ST depot remains an important public transport hub for residents.
According to information available, around 80 ST bus trips to Kalyan and nearly 50 trips to Thane are operated from the Bhiwandi depot every day. The depot has around 66 buses across different categories.
Despite its importance, commuters say the deteriorating condition of the depot has become a major inconvenience, particularly during the monsoon.
Limited Direct Connectivity To Borivali
Passengers have also raised concerns over limited direct bus connectivity between Bhiwandi and Borivali. At present, only one bus is reportedly operating on the route. Commuters travelling towards Borivali often have to depend on services via Thane, increasing both travel time and expenses.
Employees Also Reluctant To Stay At Depot
Sources said drivers and conductors earlier used to stay at the depot during night hours. However, the dilapidated structure, poor sanitation and lack of basic facilities have reportedly made employees reluctant to stay there.
Taj Khan, a local resident, said the ST depot serves thousands of commuters every day and authorities cannot allow passengers to suffer from waterlogging, garbage and mosquito infestation merely because redevelopment is pending.
The new building is necessary, but until the construction is completed, the municipal corporation and ST administration should coordinate and immediately arrange drainage, clean the clogged drains and maintain sanitation at the depot, he said.
Aamir Faiyaz Shaikh, who works for a pharmaceutical company and regularly uses the depot, said the condition of the premises was particularly bad during the monsoon.
During the rains, passengers have to walk through dirty water. Often, when vehicles pass through the waterlogged area, commuters are splashed with filthy water, he said.
ST Administration Says Permanent Repairs Are Not Feasible
Bhiwandi ST Depot Manager Keshav Mahajan said the old building was being removed because of its dilapidated condition and a new structure was being planned.
Considering the condition of the existing structure, carrying out permanent repairs to the drainage system is not feasible at present, Mahajan said.
Also Watch:
On the Borivali connectivity issue, Mahajan said there was currently no ST bus service from Thane to Borivali, while passengers could use ST services from Bhiwandi to Thane. He added that one bus is currently being operated from Bhiwandi towards Borivali.
To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/
