Commuters hassled as buses go off roads for PM Modi’s rally

Guwahati: Guwahati bus stops saw a thin crowd on Wednesday as several buses went off the city roads, leaving commuters in the lurch. The vehicles were utilized for PM Narendra Modi’s rally held in Nalbari, reports Tathagata Bhattacharjee.
Being a popular choice of transportation for its cost-effectiveness, commuters always find city buses convenient to travel from one area to another.Cummuters in Chandmari, Sixmile, Nepali Mandir, Panbazar and Maligaon had to wait for hours to get buses.
An official in the transport department said, “More than 180 city buses along with share taxis were deployed for the PM’s campaign last night. This has been the usual scenario during the election period.” He added, “Additionally, 20 buses were deployed in Manipur and 100 in Tura on April 15 for campaigning.”
Chandan Brahma, a resident of Chenikuthi who was waiting at the Guwahati Club bus stop, said, “I have been waiting for a bus for an hour. Although one or two buses came, they very crowded and there was no way to get inside.”
Left with no choice, commuters had to go for app-based bike service riders who were seen waiting in front of bus stops. Preetham Gogoi, a resident of Ganeshguri, said, “I have to go to Panbazar and they are charging me Rs 180. It usually costs me Rs 10 if I travel by bus.”