AGBTA opposes nationalisation of more routes in State

MARCEL, AUG 20
The All Goa Bus Transporters Association (AGBTA) has strongly objected to the proposed nationalization of state routes.
The AGBTA was reacting to reports that the Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) had requested the state government to  nationalize routes in the state.
At present, the Panaji-Margao and Panaji-Vasco routes are nationalized and only KTC buses are permitted to operate along these routes.
At a meeting in Ponda, AGBTA General Secretary Sudeep Tamankar claimed that more routes in the State are likely to be  nationalized following the request of the KTC.
“Once these routes are nationalized, we private bus operators will be forced to keep our buses idle. We will loose our livelihood and will be forced to retrench our drivers and conductors,” said Tamankar.
“Nationalization of routes is being done only to favour the KTC at the cost of the Aam Admi and we will oppose this more,” he added. It is learnt that the KTC has reportedly sought the nationalisation of the Ponda-Panjim route.
“The government has already done injustice to the bus owners by nationalizing the Panaji-Margao and Panaji-Vasco routes. However, we will not allow the government to nationalize any more routes,” said Tamankar.
The meeting was attended by around 60 bus owners from Ponda and a new committee was also formed at the meeting.
Various issues pertaining to bus owners were also discussed at the meeting and members also resolved to remain united to address issues pertaining to the bus operators.
Tamankar also stressed on the need to form a bus transporters society, which, he said, would benefit drivers and conducters.
“Transport Minister Sudin Dhavlikar had asked us to form a society and this issue is pending. I think this society will benefit us and it should be formed as soon as possible,” said Tamankar.