BEST staff deserve safe and dignified workspaces, not crumbling depots

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At Mumbai's bus depots, the people who keep the city moving work under ceilings that could come down at any moment, our report, supported with photographs, showed. During inspections across 27 BEST depots, a BEST committee member found the Vikhroli depot in a condition that raised serious concerns - cracked walls, a weakening roof, overgrown surroundings, and even reports of snakes nearby.

Our report highlighted looking beyond the decay and thinking about just how ‘normal' this has become. The committee member pointed out that employees' lives are at risk working here. There were roof slabs on the verge of collapse, cracked walls and weakening structure and overgrown vegetation around staff areas. We also flagged unhygienic, poorly maintained rest spaces.

First up, we must see hygiene and rest spaces that give real rest, not just places in name. The abysmal condition is not just about repairs. A safe, clean, working space spells dignity and mental peace. It is in these conditions that workers give off their best. Imagine worrying about whether a roof slab will collapse on your head and then be expected to get into a vehicle and ferry passengers. With mental stability compromised, we may see an effect on driving, even conductors.

This is truly dangerous. Workers also feel disrespected and not cared for when their work spaces are shabby, un-kept, not looked after. They feel their employers are indifferent to their plight. It is time not just for investigations but action designed to make depots safer and spaces where employees unwind with quiet pride and some solace.