The wait for a bus in New Town is getting interesting. Exercise equipment is getting installed at major bus stops across the township for use free of cost by passengers till their ride rolls in.

The first of the gear, a leg press, got installed on Monday at New Town bus stand, opposite Eastern High.

“The idea is to let the urban commuter, who is always in a rush, do some exercise while waiting for a bus. This way they can bide time and shed weight at the same time,” Debashis Sen, chairman and managing director, Hidco, told The Telegraph Salt Lake.

Hidco plans to place such equipment at 24 bus stops. “The installation will be done over the next three months. Elsewhere we will install parallel bar or twister or some other gear,” Sen said.

He did receive suggestions to install the gear in parks instead of at bus stands. “But parks already have slips and other play equipment. And those who have time to go to parks can visit gyms too,” said Sen, who was inspired by his visit to the smart city of Incheon in South Korea a couple of years back. Callisthenics parks and outdoor fitness stations are popular in South Korea.

“I don’t mind a bit of exercise as long as it is not too tiring and I can also keep an eye on the road for the next bus while doing it,” said a passenger.