Students at University of Karachi, the city’s largest government university, are facing significant challenges with the current state of the university’s bus service. This permanent situation is causing persistent difficulties for thousands of students trying to commute to the campus. One of the biggest problems present is the limited number of buses.
There are simply not enough ‘points’ to carry the large number of students who rely on them. This means buses are severely overloaded. Students are often forced to squeeze in, with some having to stand at the door, making the journey uncomfortable and highly unsafe.
The condition of many of the existing buses is also a major concern. Many of the points are very old and in poor condition. Some buses frequently break down, causing delays and leaving students stranded on the road. The problem is even worse during the monsoon season, with water leaking through the roofs of some buses, making the ride miserable. While during Karachi’s extremely hot months, congestion is a serious issue.
With so many students packed together, the air inside becomes very stuffy. This lack of ventilation and overcrowding can lead to suffocation, and sadly, some students have even fainted due to these poor conditions. This difficult journey adds onto the students’ stress and fatigue, making it harder for them to concentrate on their studies.
Students urgently need better transport options. The university administration needs to take action to address these issues. Firstly, the number of buses should be significantly increased to accommodate the student population comfortably and safely. Secondly, the condition of the current fleet must be improved. The old and poorly maintained buses should either be replaced with new ones or undergo necessary repairs to ensure they are safe and reliable.
Students deserve to travel in vehicles that are not only functional but also provide a basic level of comfort. The current state of the points is hindering students’ ability to focus on their studies and is a major source of frustration.
The university administration should prioritise this issue and invest in improving the bus service. Providing adequate and well-maintained transportation is a basic necessity for a large institution like University of Karachi and will greatly benefit the entire student body.
Laiba Naseer
Karachi
