TEAM HERALD
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
VASCO: The allotment of KTC buses to the Indian Airlines for its passengers at Dabolim Airport has kicked up a storm in the port town.
While former minister Jose Philip D’Souza has questioned the government’s decision to allow KTC buses to be used by Indian Airlines, KTC Chairman and Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida has justified the decision on grounds that the deal has been generating vital income to the loss-making KTC.
Addressing a press conference in the port town on Tuesday, D’Souza claimed that the KTC buses should not have been given to the Indian Airlines in the first place.
KTC buses are being used to transport passengers between the aircraft and the terminal.
“The KTC buses are meant for the benefit of the general public. I have now applied for relevant information under RTI Act in this matter,” he said.
Responding to the allegations, Almeida defended the government’s decision to allot KTC buses to Indian Airlines on contract and stated that the government was trying to minimise the losses of the KTC.
“Indian Airlines is paying the KTC Rs 75,000 per month along with its own driver and diesel,” said Almeida. “Which contractor will pay that much amount, besides providing their diesel and driver?”
“KTC has been suffering losses since the last many years and to make up for these losses, we have given KTC buses on contract to the Indian Airlines. Besides carrying out minor maintenance as the distance is short, the KTC stands to earn Rs 75,000 per month,” he added.
When asked if KTC has supplied specialised coaches or regular passenger buses to the Indian Airlines, Almeida clarified that the KTC has provided regular passenger buses to Indian Airlines.
“The only difference is that instead of passengers paying us for the service, the Indian Airlines is paying the KTC on behalf of its passengers,” said Almeida.
